Reverence: July 2007

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
Reverence is a trait that is often lacking in this modern age. There is much polish and politeness, but the quality of veneration is rarely to be found. It is in keeping with the character of the “last days” spoken of in 2 Timothy 3:1717That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:17). Reverence is everywhere enjoined in Scripture. Children are commanded to honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1313Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)). Wives are told to reverence their husbands (Ephesians 5:3333Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)), and as to old people, it is commanded, “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God” (Leviticus 19:3232Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:32)). Reverence to rulers is also required, for we read, “Render therefore to all their dues  .  .  .  fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:77Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:7)). Reverence towards God and the holy things connected with His name are especially to be observed. “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” (Psalm 89:77God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. (Psalm 89:7)). “Holy and reverend is His name” (Psalm 111:99He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. (Psalm 111:9)). The growing disregard of reverence for the things of God is sad. Even professing Christians speak of God as if He were such an one as themselves (Psalm 50:2121These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. (Psalm 50:21)). Rather, we should remember that He is “the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy” (Isaiah 57:1515For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15)). We are always to speak respectfully to and about the Lord Jesus. The Bible says that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow  .  .  .  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-1110That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10‑11)).
1. The lord said, “They will reverence my son.” What did the husbandmen say? Matthew 21:___
2. When Mephibosheth was come to King David, what did he do?
2 Samuel 9:___
3. How can we serve God acceptably? Hebrews 12:___
4. When Mordecai bowed not nor did reverence, how did Haman feel?
Esther 3:___
5. What are we to give to our fathers which correct us? Hebrews 12:___