Real Reverence for the Absolute Ruler - Part Two
“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12 (KJV, emphasis mine)
“Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” Deuteronomy 10:14 (KJV)
Last week, we began discussing how we can acquire an appropriate attitude about the sovereignty of God. This week I will continue to endeavor to erase any ill reverence for God and promote the proper praise and honor that a Holy God rightly deserves. But first let me ask you a question: Who is it that you regularly respect the most? Why? Is it because of their authority or influence, aptitude or ability, fame, popularity or financial power and wealth?
As you ponder my questions process this position of scripture about God’s thoughts on whom and what we esteem and consider significant above Him.
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men isabomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15 (KJV, emphasis added)
Anything or person that we elevate as honorable and to which we pay tribute above God is detestable to Him. The people, places and things that we love and honor and respect above God diminish His significance and deface His glory in our hearts. Therefore, be careful, my beloved fellow servants of the Most High God. When we are deliberate in developing our reverence and fear of God we will continue to be cemented in the truth, in victory and in His grace and goodness.
Our opening passages points to several expectations that God has for His people. The first thing that the rightful ruler expects is that we fear the Lord or to be reverently in awe of the Lord.
“Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” Psalm 2:11 (KJV, emphasis mine)
This anointed attitude is absolutely essential in order for us to meet His next expectation to walk in all His ways. His ways are consistent with His Word. When we walk and obey His Word (the Scriptures), we demonstrate legitimate service, not lip service in our love and loyalty towards the Lord. Subsequently, we are fully invested intimately, intellectually and spiritually.
I remember some of the life events that encouraged my mind and heart to be astonished, aware and acknowledge the awesomeness of God: my salvation/spiritual conception; beholding the beauty and brilliance of my bride, Gloria, as she walked down the aisle to take my hand in Holy matrimony; each and every birth of my three sons; the call to minister and serve as His under-shepherd at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship; and witnessing His work and the power of His word and Spirit in the many lives of those that are humble and obedient to Him. God is indeed Awesome!!!
I close with seven steps that will consistently situate us in the kind of respect that is rightfully reserved for the Lord.
R-EVERENCE: To regard and look on God with awe and devotion. (Leviticus 19:20)
E-XALT: To glorify, praise, promote and elevate Him and His purposes above all. (Psalm 18:46)
S-UBMIT: To yield and surrender your will to him. (James 4:7)
P-LEASE: To purpose to do the things that brings Him pleasure in your life. (John 8:29b)
E-MBRACE: To establish His truth and the leadership of His Spirit as the absolute authority in your life. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
C-ENTER: To consistently carry out a Christ-centered life and set Him as the focal point (center) of all your decisions and thoughts. (Galatians 2:20)
T-RUST: To firmly fix your reliance in the C.I.A (Character, Integrity and Ability) of Christ. (Psalm 56:4)
If you purpose to practice these steps, you will be prepared to maintain an appropriate attitude of reverential awe for our God.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR