Introductory Thoughts
Reverence denotes giving respect and honour. The scripture demonstrates this truth when men bow before a person of high office reflecting their reverence for the office. The Bible marks this bowing down out of respect as an act of reverence (2 Samuel 9:6; 1 Kings 1:31). God's word marks the refusal to bow as showing disrespect and a lack of reverence (Esther 3:2, 5). Every Christian should consistently demonstrate an adequate understanding of biblical reverence. Why? There is only one way to serve God acceptably: with “reverence and godly fear.” Today's verse teaches that reverence entails some relationship to fear, though reverence is not fear. Since men cannot serve God “acceptably” without reverence, living reverently toward God remains an essential element for a healthy Christian life.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God needs to be honoured as our Creator, Father, and Master. He has the right to tell us what to do. Read Malachi 1:6 for a deeper appreciation of this truth. The best way to honour God is to do what He says in His word. When we don't obey Him, He says we despise His Name.
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(For everyone): How can we serve the Lord with reverence and godly fear? How does this make our service acceptable in His sight? How does reverence make our service better?
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Since reverence is connected to respect, honour, and fear, to whom should we show reverence? Do people always have to deserve reverence or should it be given based on who they are or the office they hold?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you reverence Him above all others.
- Ask the Lord to help you show reverence to those around you.
Song
How Great Thou Art
