Bible Daily

Exploring Reverence in a Modern Context

What Does Reverence Mean in the Bible?

Reverence in the Bible is not merely about fear or respect but involves a deep, worshipful awe specifically directed towards God. Unlike the fear associated with danger or harm, reverent fear is an emotion of worship, where one prostrates oneself either spiritually or physically in acknowledgment of God's majesty. This reverence is unique to God alone, as He is the only One worthy of such profound respect and adoration. The Bible uses the term interchangeably with "fear" to denote this special kind of respect (Psalm 33:8, Proverbs 1:7).

How to Cultivate Reverence?

The Scriptures provide clear instructions on how to show reverence:

  • God's Command to Reverence: The Lord instructs us through Moses to keep His Sabbaths and revere His sanctuary (Leviticus 19:30). We are also commanded to fear the Lord and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
  • Biblical Examples of Reverence:
    • Abraham was commended for his reverence when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:12).
    • Joseph declared his fear of God, which influenced his actions towards his brothers (Genesis 42:18).
    • Job was known for his reverence towards God, which led him to turn away from evil (Job 1:1).
    • In the New Testament, the early church grew because they walked in the fear of the Lord (Acts 9:31).
    • Cornelius was described as a devout man who feared God (Acts 10:2).

Practical Applications of Reverence

Living with reverence involves:

  • Acceptable Worship: Offering worship with reverence and awe, as stated in Hebrews 12:28, where we are to be grateful for receiving an unshakable kingdom.
  • Holiness in Fear: Cleansing ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit to bring holiness to completion in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
  • Wisdom through Fear: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, as Proverbs 9:10 tells us.
  • Justice and Faithfulness: Acting in the fear of the Lord with faithfulness and wholeheartedness, as Jehoshaphat instructed the judges (2 Chronicles 19:7-9).

The Importance of Reverence

Reverence is crucial because:

  • God's Attributes: God is just, loving, compassionate, and faithful. His commands are not to be taken lightly but are to be revered because of His complete and unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6, 2 Timothy 2:13).
  • Holiness and Greatness: God's holiness and greatness demand our reverence (Psalm 99:3, Psalm 145:3).
  • Goodness and Wonders: God's goodness and the wonders He performs are reasons for our reverence (Psalm 107:8, Psalm 136:4).
  • Forgiveness and Judgment: He is our forgiving Judge, whose judgment we must respect (Psalm 130:4, Romans 2:16).

Reverence in Today's World

In secular contexts, reverence might be shown towards symbols like national flags, representing the values and sacrifices of a nation. However, from a Christian perspective, our primary reverence is directed towards God. While we respect and submit to earthly authorities (Romans 13:1-7), our ultimate allegiance is to God, especially when secular laws conflict with divine commandments (Acts 5:29).

Today's casual use of words like "holy," "glorious," or "awesome" for mundane things dilutes the sacredness these terms should convey. True reverence involves careful consideration of our words and actions, reflecting our deep respect for the Lord.

In conclusion, cultivating a spirit of reverence in today's world means aligning our lives with biblical principles, recognizing God's supreme worthiness of our worship, and living in a way that honors His commands and attributes.