“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” – Hebrews 12:28-29
When Jeannie and I were traveling through Scotland last month, we visited many unusual, historic places. We were impressed with castles, cathedrals, and landscapes in the Scottish highlands. One of the places we visited was the National War Memorial in Edinburgh. As we entered, the request was made for all men to remove their hats in honor of all the men and women who had given their lives in military service. A similar request was made at the Culloden Battlefield. That simple gesture of reverence and respect is becoming less common here in the States. Actually, from my perspective, reverence and respect in general are in decline in American culture and churches. There is however, a strong Biblical basis for displaying such honor. In typical preacher fashion, three methods come to mind.
First, in the Scriptures, reverence and respect are shown through a change in attire. The way the attire changes may differ from culture to culture, but the principle remains the same. God said to Moses in Exodus 3:5, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” The priests wore special priestly garments as they performed their duties in the Temple. In the New Testament, men and women were both given instructions about how to dress while worshipping. Today, while God loves us and accepts us regardless of the clothing we wear, wearing something special to honor God is appropriate and commendable.
Second, in the Scriptures, reverence and respect are shown through a change in posture. Psalm 95:6 says, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!” When Biblical personalities knew they were in the presence of God or an honored guest, their posture would change to acknowledge it. Bowing one’s head was one common gesture. Exodus 4:31 says, “And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.” Bending one’s knee was another practice. Philippians 2:10 says, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,”. Falling prostrate was yet another gesture practiced. Luke 17:16 says, “and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.” In this day and age of individualism and equality, there is still an important place for showing reverence and respect by a change in posture.
Third, in the Scriptures, reverence and respect are shown through a change in speech. Habakkuk 2:20 says, “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” Most of the time that change is not saying more, but saying less or even being completely silent. Today the same is true. We show honor to God by pausing from our frequent speech and listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say through his written word. That is one important way in which we revere him. Also, we show respect to others by intently listening to what they have to say. How many times have you been in a conversation, focusing not on what the other person is expressing, but on the next profound comment you want to interject? How many times have you participated in a church board or committee meeting, having your own conversation with a neighbor while someone else is speaking to the rest of the group? We’ve all been there. Reverence and respect are shown through a change in speech, usually through less of it on our part.
The Bible is clear on the need to display reverence for God and respect for others. The ways we do so, however, are often less clear in our modern society and our contemporary churches. The Scriptures, however, give us helpful guidance. As that popular passage in Romans 12:2 states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
With a shepherd’s heart,
Pastor David
About the Author
David Bess is pastor of the First Baptist Church, in Waynesburg, PA. He has pastored Baptist churches for over 40 years in Indiana, West Virginia, and now Pennsylvania. He resides in Washington, PA with his wife, Jeannie. Their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren live in nearby Canonsburg, PA. He has MDiv and DMin degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. He is currently pursuing a MARBS degree from CBTS.
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This blog post is authored by a student of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.
