Reverence
What comes to mind when you see this word - “reverence”?
Do you thing of some preachers you know who are often called “reverend”? Do you
think of God and the respect He deserves? Do you think of the deep esteem in
which many people hold education, rulers of nations, their mothers, or money
and the material possessions it can buy?
When we search for “reverence” and “reverend” in
the Bible, we find the following definitions and uses of these words:
1.
To put in fear, dread(-ful), as used in Psalm 111:9 - “ He sent
redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy
and reverend is his name.” This passage speaks of God. In the New
King James version, this last phrase is rendered “Holy and awesome is
His name.” Thus, we have another word, “awesome”, to define the word “reverend.”
2.
To bow down, humbly beseech, worship,
make obeisance, as used in 1 Kings
3.
To show modesty or shamefacedness,
as used in Hebrews 12:9 when proper respect for fathers is discussed in
relation to proper reverence for our Father in heaven.
4.
To respect or regard,
as used in Matthew 21:37 in the parable of the wicked vinedressers who kill the
son of their master when he comes to receive his portion of the harvest rather
than giving him the respect he deserves as heir. This son and heir represents Jesus.
5.
To be in awe of, revererence,
as used in Ephesians 5:33 - “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so
love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that
she reverence her husband.”
May we always revere those whom God requires us
to revere!
Michael Hurst