Bible Thoughts

May 2, 1999

The kind of service that is acceptable to God is a full dedication with awed respect for those things that are holy. Paul encouraged the Hebrews to have the proper kind of feeling and attitude in their service to God. For them, this was nothing new. They had been instructed by the Psalmist, "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"(89:7, KJ). There are many other passages in the Old Covenant that call attention to the need for reverence of God both in one's life and in the worship that the Hebrews offered to God.

Now the ones to whom Paul is writing are Christians. While they were not to be guided by the teachings of Moses, they were still mindful of the majesty of God and that due reverence must be given to Jehovah, to His word, and to His worship. A passage often memorized, "Holy and reverend is His name"(Psalm 111:9) had been implanted in the minds of those Israelites. They were instructed to reverence the sanctuary(Leviticus 19:30; 26:2). The people to whom Paul wrote had been reared in an atmosphere that one is "to feel respect for"(Vine) that which had been instituted and ordained by God.

Since reverence means "to feel respect for," Jehovah sent His Son into the world in order to make it possible for men to show that respect. Some question why God would send His only begotten Son into a sin cursed world where men did not care for righteousness, but loved iniquity. The answer to that is found in Luke 20:13, "I will send my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him." The Lord was teaching the parable of the vineyard. The owner had left the vineyard in care of a husbandman. Servants were sent to bring the fruits to the owner. The husbandman had no respect, but treated them shamefully. Finally, the owner sent his son, in the hope the son would be "reverenced"(treated with due respect). They did not honor the son. The lesson has to do with God sending His own Son to die for man. The Hebrews rejected the prophets and other messengers of God. When they refused to listen, He sent His Son in the hope they would reverence Him. You know the rest.

Reverence toward God is part of the life and service of a Christian. The word not only carries the idea "to feel respect for," but it conveys "falling down"(an act of humility) as well as "a godly fear." One author points out that "modesty " was also included. Most of us think of modesty in terms of dress, but it is really a way of life. The word, from the Latin, means "keeping within bounds." Thus, reverence (modesty) covers all areas of the life of a Christian. With one's family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and brethren, there is a boundary of conduct that reflects one's respect for the Lord, His word, and His way.

When people reflect on the word reverence, they often think in terms of public worship. As pointed out, reverence covers all phases of life. It does cover worship and the passages in the Old Testament pointed that out to the Hebrews. It certainly applies to the public worship of Christians.

Proper reverence requires preparation. Planning to be at services on time and in a state of mind(attitude) to worship God should be the aim of every Christian. An example: giving should be a planned activity, the decision as to the amount that one should give to the Lord should be made prior to services. As the service time draws near, the world and the cares of this life will need to be pushed aside in order to be in a state of readiness for public service.

We practice reverence when we prepare ourselves for worship by clearing our minds of the things of this world. As we enter the actions of worship, all earthly concerns should be pushed from our minds. One's concentration should focus on pleasing the Lord by conforming to the activities commanded by God through participation in those activities. Reverence for that which belongs to God will require one's full attention to that which is taking place.

Proper reverence will require participation. Concentration on the singing, praying, and teaching/learning will be necessary for one to profit from the services. When it is time for the Lord's Supper, the mind should focus on remembering the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Proper reverence will be shown when as few disturbances as possible take place in the assembly. Many of these will be avoided by making preparation before the assembly. Also, while there are times when one must whisper something to a child, a mate, or one nearby, conversations are not appropriate during the assembly. Not only do such disturb others, but those engaging are losing concentration on spiritual matters. Unnecessary noise in the assembly can distract and disturb worshippers.

The denominations have instituted what they deem "a casual service." The word "casual" carries the idea of "by chance, careless...informal." When one reads and follows the New Testament, it is apparent there is nothing "casual" about the assemblies of Christians. Christians respect the scriptures and will offer due reverence to God by conforming to the Word of God both in the actions of worship and the attitudes we display in the assembly.