Reverence In Worship

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January 5th, 2013

It is easy to become confused by the thought of “fearing” God. Now, the people gathered at the foot of Sinai had witnessed the plagues, had crossed the Red Sea, had been given sweet water for bitter, manna, quail, and water from a rock–they knew the power of God. They were aware of his presence in the cloud of fire and smoke. They heard the thunder of his voice and trembled before him. We could judge them for being scared after they had been so blessed; it must have been an awesome experience to realize the power and presence of God and realize how small and weak you truly are.

Moses tries to help teach them to distinguish between a healthy reverence for God that will keep them pure and an unreasonable fear that would tempt them to not even approach him. This all hinges on our understanding of who God is. If we see him as harsh and frightening, we will try to escape him. If we see him as powerful yet loving in his provision, protection and power, we will draw near to him in reverence and awe. This awareness and understanding of God leads us to true worship.

Tags: worship

1 COMMENT

One Response to “Reverence In Worship”

Barbara Says:
January 5th, 2013 at 5:29 am

Fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), but perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18).

While God has absolute power in HIS awesomeness, HIS glory of the creation is LOVE. HE is worthy of all honor and glory. (Not that HE needed to earn our respect, admiration, and worship, HE has!)

Understanding HIS love changes our first perceived ideas regarding punishment into “refinement.”