REVERENCE!

REVERENCE!

Ps 89:6-7

6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?

7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

Heb 12:28-29

28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,  let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

29 For our God is a consuming fire.

          Something is missing in many modern American churches! It’s reverence! The architecture of the great cathedrals demanded that our gaze be turned heavenward but so many of our modern churches reminds us of a coffee shop. The focus is on camaraderie and creature comforts. God is a guest in these places.

          The above Psalm specifically mentions the assembly of the saints; that place where man and God meet together. Here man acknowledges God for who He is and bows before him. Here God is “Greatly to be feared.” This fear extends over every instant of life and regulates all our conduct.

          In the Old Testament, the word used for “reverence” is yare’ and means “to fear.” This word has a moral application. It is a fear that changes moral conduct. We behave in His presence. We revere Him. Parents teach their children that certain things do not belong in church. I’ve heard them say: “We don’t run in church.” Running and frolicking belongs on the playground. Here we are quiet and respectful.

          In the New Testament, the word is aidos and it means bashfulness and even modesty. Here we modestly cover ourselves and conduct ourselves as if we are in the presence of One who judges. Speaking of judges, many courtrooms demand a stricter dress code than churches! In a courtroom we speak in hushed tones because behind the bench is one who can take away your property, your freedom, and even your life. Should we not reserve the same reverence for God?

          I, for one, worship best when the sanctuary is empty of its worshippers. You can almost hear God breathing and, if He should speak, you know He speaks to you. At these times I do not “tell” God that I love Him but sit quietly while He inspects me to see if love can be found.

Ps 96:6-9

6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Give unto the Lord , O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord  glory and strength.

8 Give unto the Lord  the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 O worship the Lord  in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Dear Lord, let me build for you a sanctuary in my heart and be still there. AMEN