Introductory Thoughts
The Bible employs the word “reverend” only once. Studying the context offers one appropriate definition and acceptable usage. Unfortunately, the vast majority of believers are unaware that the title “reverend” has been inappropriately usurped to apply to men. This reflects how far so-called Bible teachers and preachers have strayed from God's holy precepts. God wants Christians to show proper respect to a man of God, but the title “reverend” should never be used to address him. There is only one Name that is reverend and that is the Lord’s. An English Baptist pastor and author, Robert Robinson, who wrote the hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, abhorred the pomp assumed by many of his ministerial colleagues. He once said, “I wonder why any man should be so silly as to call me Reverend.” Only one is worthy of all praise and honour and that is the Lord (Psalm 99:3; Revelation 4:8).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): You can show the Lord that you honour Him and His Name by doing what He says. Read Luke 6:46. God promised life and peace to His people because they feared Him and were afraid before His Name (Malachi 2:5).
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(For everyone): What does it mean that Gods name is reverend? Does reverend mean a specific title for Him or a declaration concerning His name? How can we show the appropriate reverence to God and His name?
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Is it possible that we grieve the Lord when we inappropriately use titles like Reverend or Father (Matthew 23:9) when addressing men? We should never be guilty of using one of God's titles or descriptions when addressing those who seek to serve Him.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you show reverence to His Name.
- Ask God to enlighten others who have strayed from the truth.
Song
Holy and Reverend Is the Name
