Holy Reverence

Having read the bible for many years, have you noticed like I have, there are a few scary verses. SCARY I tell you! Like those words in red, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Jesus, Matthew 12:36). Wide-eyed and hands over mouth! Or of ancient(er) days, Exodus 35:2, “The seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of sabbath rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death” (immediately dropping laundry basket). *

Yet, what about James 2:19 “You believe that God is one, you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” James is speaking of faith and works; OH, but the principle! “The demons believe—and shudder!” This is the only time in scripture this word (shudder) is used, it means to tremble (with fear) fear of the outcome. We (the redeemed) are not to freak out in fear, thinking our God is going to step on us like an ant, but we are to have a FEARFUL-HOLY-REVERENCE!

Multiple times scripture tells us the demons knew Who Jesus was. Recognizing what He was. There were extreme responses (crying out, falling at His feet, pleading). The correct response. They knew their outcome. What is interesting, the opposite of the fear James mentions is confidence. Over confidence can lead to pride. I once heard pride defined as flexing before a holy God (that didn’t work out well for Lucifer).

I am fully persuaded in the world today, we are OVER confident as a whole. We are a flexing culture. We reach and grab for what is considered owed to us. We march waving banners and simply walk away when not getting our way. We (the global church) have in some ways embraced this and pulling the package into our perception of the Godly Kingdom.

We are whitewashing the relationship between Creator and creation—God and man. We tend to exercise our boldness (inappropriately) at times and consider the God of the Universe our pal and approach His presence liken to a buddy, an equal: We go into His throne room, throw our stuff on the floor and fling ourselves across the celestial couch. With one leg hanging over the arm, while reaching forward, grabbing a fist full of food from the banquet table and popping it in our mouth and speaking (with our mouth full), “Heh, how are ya?” (metaphorically speaking—yet true). I echo a dear friends’ words, “May I never allow that kind of casual brashness in my behavior.”

YES! A thousand yeses, our Holy God made provision for fellowship with Him—Jesus. His smile is mercy filled. His grace the welcome mat and we CAN come boldly to His throne.

YET!

Father forgive us, forgive me! May we, (I) never become so confident that I miss the mark of coming before You—reverently. Taking pause before I open Your Word and thumb through its pages. May my only boldness that is freely offered, take me to Your feet! No need to shudder, this outcome is GOOD, but may I truly recognize Who and what You are!

Holy reverence.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).

*Please note, YES, context is everything and Jesus brings forgiveness and New Covenant terms, the above verses were stated for emphasis.