Reverence

Reverence

When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the horn, and when they saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, “You tell us what God says, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us. If he does, we will die!” “Don’t be afraid,” Moses said, “for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning!”

Exodus 20:18-20

Sometimes we can gain our children’s attention simply by raising our eyebrows or clearing our throats. Other times, when we want to be more emphatic, we need extra bells and whistles to do the job. Even then, what works for the oldest child in the family might not work for the youngest, because kids’ temperaments vary.

This is true of adults as well. Some need only to see a speed limit sign to obey it. Others try to push the limits, driving 42 miles per hour in a 30 mile-per-hour zone, not slowing down until after they’ve seen the flashing lights of a police car behind them. They may not have had a healthy respect for the speed limit (or the police officer) before they received a speeding ticket, but they probably will afterward.

Throughout the events of the Bible, God chose to get people’s attention in various ways. Sometimes he spoke quietly; sometimes he displayed amazing power. In today’s passage, the children of Israel witnessed God’s amazing power in the thunder, the horn, the lightning, and the smoke. He had their attention! I love the words that Moses spoke to the Israelites—once they were listening—telling them not to be afraid, but to allow God’s awesome power to produce a healthy fear and reverence. That reverence would then foster a desire to avoid sin.

God wants the same things from us. In his good purposes, he uses various means to get our attention, but he wants us to see him for who he is and respond with reverent and affectionate obedience. The more time we spend in his Word, the more we will see him as he is and want to treat him with the reverence he deserves.

Father,

Thank you for the many ways you spoke to people in history. We’re grateful for your Word, because in it we see your awesome power. May we respond to you with reverence and obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.