Reverence

Introduction Sacred Scripture calls man to praise God, affirming “Holy and reverend is His name” (Ps. 111:9, KJV), or alternatively, “Holy and awesome is His name” (Ps. 111:9, NASB).

Introduction Webster defines the English word “reverence” as “honor or respect felt or shown: deference; especially: profound adoring awed respect.”

Introduction From a Biblical standpoint, “reverence” is defined as “an attitude of deep respect, honor, and deference” (ISBE), that produces “a feeling of profound awe and respect” (NIBD).

Reverence Improper Expressions Proper Expressions

Improper Expressions Shown in Wickedness Shown in Hypocrisy

Shown in Wickedness While the friends of Job falsely accused him of wrong- doing, sinful behavior does, indeed, demonstrate a lack of respect for God. Eliphaz the Temanite said, “Indeed, you do away with reverence and hinder meditation before God” (Job 15:4). Later, this charge is repeated: “Is it because of your reverence that He reproves you, that He enters into judgment against you?” (Job 22:4). While Eliphaz was mistaken in his assessment of Job, he correctly notes that reverence and wickedness are incompatible concepts.

Shown in Hypocrisy Isaiah 29:13 says, “Then the Lord said, ‘Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote.’” Jesus quoted this passage in denouncing the tradition bound Pharisees, who added to, subtracted from, and otherwise changed God’s Law with impunity (Matt. 15:8-9; Mark 7:6-7).

Proper Expressions Shown in Obedience Shown in Worship Shown in Evangelism Shown in Man’s Attitude Toward God’s Word Shown in Children’s Attitude Toward Parents

Shown in Obedience Reverence is seen in the obedience of Noah (Heb. 11:7; cf. Genesis 6:5–22, esp. vv. 8-9, 22). The Greek word eulabeomai, here translated “reverence,” means “(1) to be concerned about a matter, be concerned, be anxious; (2) to show reverent regard for, reverence, respect” (BDAG).

Shown in Obedience Additional insight is provided in Genesis 6, which states that Noah found favor (grace) in the eyes of the Lord (v. 8); he was a righteous man, blameless in his time, one who walked with God (v. 9). Having been instructed to build an ark, the chapter concludes by saying, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did” (v. 22). If we are to be counted as reverent, we will manifest the same obedient spirit.

Shown in Obedience Reverence is seen in the obedience of the remnant (Hag. 1:1–15 , esp. v. 12). Reverence should also be reflected in the obedience of Christians (Heb. 12:25–29, esp. v. 28).

Shown in Worship The children of Israel were commanded to reverence the sanctuary, i.e. the tabernacle of the Lord. Leviticus 26:2 says, “‘You shall keep My sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary; I am the LORD.” Psalm 2:11 says, “Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling.” Psalm 5:7 says, “But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, at Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.”

Shown in Evangelism Reverence must also be manifested in our evangelistic efforts. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

Shown in Man’s Attitude Toward God’s Word Reverence is shown in our attitude toward the Word of God. Psalm 119:38 says, “Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You.” Malachi 2:5 says, “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me and stood in awe of My name.”

Shown in Children’s Attitude Toward Parents Leviticus 19:3 says, “‘Every one of you shall reverence his mother and his father, and you shall keep My sabbaths; I am the LORD your God.” Developing proper reverence for God begins with properly honoring one’s parents (Exod. 20:12; Deut. 27:16), and also respecting those who are aged (Lev. 19:32; 1 Tim. 5:1-2). It extends to respect for our fellow-man, especially those who are in unfavored positions (Lev. 19:13- 14; 25:35-46).

Conclusion Avoiding the irreverence of wickedness and hypocrisy, let us show reverence in our obedience, in our worship, in our efforts at evangelism, in our attitude toward our fellow-man, and also seek to cultivate this spirit in the hearts of our children.