“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
I am sure we all know how important it is to be thankful. Though there are times when this is more difficult than others, the author of Hebrews reminds us that we will receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken. We are children of God! We are direct heirs to His perfect kingdom! We are part of the kingdom that will ultimately defeat all others and last through eternity! That is something to be thankful for!
I love this. I get this. I understand this. I even understand this is one of the many reasons God is so worthy of our worship.
It’s the next part of the verse that gives me pause…”so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Do I do that?
Yes I worship God. But do I do it acceptably? Do I do it with reverence and awe? Do I even fully understand what true reverence and awe is?
The dictionary defines “reverence” as a deep respect for someone or something; and “awe” as a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. Reverence and awe then, encompass a deep respect or regard for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of someone, namely God, along with wonder and fear. Does that describe my worship of God?
Honestly? Um, no, not always.
Too often my worship is about how I am feeling and not about God’s feelings. It is on my terms and not on His. I am certainly full of wonder at what He has done and continues to do in me, but do I fear Him? I need to consciously remind myself that my worship is to be a reverential act. It is all about God and showing Him the respect and awe He deserves. And as loving as God is, His wrath is definitely something to be feared.
He may be slow to anger, but continual disrespect, continual disobedience will eventually anger Him. And that is something each of us should be fearful of.
Worship is not about what I get out of it, but what I give to God. My love and my devotion, respect, admiration, obedience, wonder and yes, even fear.
From here on out, my worship will change. I will be thankful for the kingdom I am going to receive and I will worship God acceptably.
I will worship him with reverence and awe.
