Reverence – The Disciple-Making Lifestyle

Quietly think about Solomon’s instructive words seen above – next consider his observant reminder. He wisely pointed out that, “God is in heaven, and you are on earth …” (Ecclesiastes 5:2) It was out of his profound reverence for Jehovah that he counseled us saying, “…let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2b) Focus your thoughts on how you approach God during your own times of prayer. Adult prayer should be intentional and reverent.

Is it not consistently true that even during our best years, our mental limitations are obvious? Under such circumstances, isn’t humility entirely sensible? The Bible gently reminds us of our many other human weaknesses. To emphasize this universal point, Scripture says, “No man has power over the wind to contain it…” Our lives, and the highly complex universe in which we live, remain exactly where they should be, in our Creator’s hands. We are therefore wise to remember Solomon’s experienced advice, “…it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent …” (Ecclesiastes 8:8a, 12b))

Over time, wise people ultimately understand that they are –finite, temporary, and terminal! The Bible says, “For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14) Therefore, as you become mature, your understanding of these factors must steadily grow. Privately, you will consider the fact that you were born into a physical world – in a state of total dependence.

Ironically, most people who are blessed to experience longevity will finally re-enter the same state of dependence in which they were born. Universally, by the time this happens, they will have either found life’s spiritual purpose, or tragically have missed it!

We all arrive on the earth as infants without having any knowledge. Then, only after a few years or decades, we leave having slowly gained and forgotten an infinitesimal fraction of the world’s knowledge. Logically, with these two factors being unchangeably true, any person with disrespect for God is a reflection of their dangerous capacity to be naïve. All human arrogance is unquestionably the enemy of wisdom! This is why science, medicine, theology, psychology, law, philosophy, and all other forms of education are valuable tools provided by God to help us grow and ultimately find, know, and love Him.

God’s self-revelation made possible through creation, history, and His magnificent incarnation (see John 1:1-16) have provided sincere seekers with all the knowledge needed to – find Him. He is never hiding! When He came to us, His identity was fully revealed! We must therefore recognize that what He made was designed for His own sovereign purpose.

God’s creation was planned to be our friend and teacher! This is why the Bible explains that, “…what may be known about God is plain … for since the creation of the world [His] invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made …” (Romans 1:19-20) This same timeless revelation was further described by the writer of Hebrews –

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for [our] sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Pause to quietly reflect on these important verses.

Part Four