Reverence: August 10, 2012

TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY AUGUST 10, 2012

REVERENCE

DEFINITION:

A feeling or attitude of deep respect, tinged with awe; profound adoration.

SCRIPTURE:

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

All across our world today there is a lack of reverence seen or felt when one talks about God. Most people have lost their deep respect for God and have no feeling of awe when they think about God. The problem is simply they are their own god. They worship “self.”

On any given day you can hear the word “GOD” spoken. Unfortunately, it is most often spoken irrevently rather then with reverence. The third commandment of the Ten Commandments is: “Do not misuse the name of the Lord for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.” This commandment is broken on a regular basis by many and when broken it shows irreverence to God.

When we understand who God really is then we will not misuse the name of the Lord. We cannot comprehend God as He really is apart from Jesus Christ. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus is the complete revelation of what God is like. Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) Until Jesus comes into our lives we cannot be in awe of all that God is. Even though we cannot see God, we can know Him and when we get to know Him we will stand in awe of Him.

Moses asked God to show him His glory (Exodus 33:18) but God told him no man could see His face and live. It is God’s glory that demands reverence. God’s glory is His majestic splendor.

There are many words referring to God in the scriptures and these words characterize Him: God is Holy, Majestic, Pure, Just, Almighty, Merciful, All-knowing, All-powerful, Ever-present, Eternal and our Creator. When we stop and think about these attributes of God we can begin to comprehend who He is and we cannot help but revere Him with awe and godly fear. The most fundamental description of God is “HOLY.” God’s holiness is more than just an attribute; it is the essence of who He is. Our response to God’s holiness can only be reverential awe.

As believers in Jesus we should desire to worship Him with reverence and in awe, and serve Him with godly fear and respect. Today we get caught up in the “things” of life and forget to daily revere and serve God with fear and respect, as the scripture tells us. With reverence for God comes obedience.

Reverence for God will compel us to live our life with caution, with discretion and with circumspection so that our life honors God. God is to be held in awe because He is the sovereign Lord of all. When we really know God and reverence Him we will desire to serve Him and then love, gentleness, joy, faith, goodness, peace, meekness and self control will be evident in our life.

Reverence, obedience, honor, service, bearing fruit and telling others about Jesus is a list that all of us must work at daily.

If asked, most people would say they reverence God. If so we wonder why it is not evident by the way they live. Do they think it is too hard or will it cost too much? What is your response?

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 119:11

Your Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against You.

PRAYER:

Each day we are in awe with deep reverence for You and all that You have done for us. It is our prayer today that our words and deeds will show others how much we revere You and Your name. Make this a special day when we can experience with awe your blessings in our lives.