Reverence

Reverence

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 12:28-29, NIV

Reverence is a word we don’t hear very often; it sounds a bit archaic to our ears. The essence of true reverence is to treasure God in our hearts and to think about him often.

When God chose Mary to be Jesus’ mother, he didn’t choose her for her impressive experience as a mom, because she had none. But she had great reverence toward God. When she sang about what God was doing in her life, she said, “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50, NIV).

When Diana, Princess of Wales, was interviewed several years before she died, her life appeared to be quite a contrast with Mary’s. Diana was wealthy, and Mary was poor. Diana had a royal, fairy-tale wedding that was watched by about 750 million people around the world. Mary waited in seclusion after the angel’s announcement, and her fiancé, Joseph, considered divorcing her quietly. In Diana’s interview, she said she wanted to be “queen of people’s hearts.” Mary said she wanted to be a handmaiden of the Lord—his servant.

A Chicago Tribune article from August 31, 1997, stated, “The Princess of Wales was beautiful, famous and wealthy, and she won the admiration of millions, but she found simple happiness elusive.” Mary led a simple life with difficult circumstances, but she had lasting joy and blessing.

What an example Mary left for us as mothers. May we always value God and be aware of his presence. Reverence is not an archaic word—it’s a word for today.

God,

Thank you for Mary’s example of a reverent life. Please help us treasure you in our hearts and think about you often. Amen.