Why is it important to approach God with reverence, as Elijah did? The Scene in the Cave 1 Kings 19:13: “When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” • Elijah has just witnessed wind, earthquake, and fire, yet God’s voice arrives in a gentle whisper. • His immediate response is to cover his face—an instinctive act of reverence, acknowledging that he stands before the holy, living God. • This snapshot sets the tone: genuine encounter with God demands respect, humility, and awe. A Posture of Reverence Defined • Reverence is a heart-level recognition of God’s absolute holiness and authority. • It shows up externally—Elijah covers his face; Moses removes his sandals (Exodus 3:5). • It’s not fear of punishment but an honoring fear that exalts God’s majesty (Psalm 89:7). Why Reverence Matters • God commands it – Leviticus 10:3: “Among those who approach Me I will show Myself holy.” – Hebrews 12:28-29: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • It aligns us with reality – God is Creator; we are creation (Isaiah 66:2). – Seeing Him rightly orders everything else. • It invites intimacy – Paradoxically, the more we revere Him, the closer He draws (Psalm 25:14). – Elijah hears the whisper only after the storms pass and he stands in humble silence. • It guards against casual sin – Proverbs 8:13: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” – Reverence places a protective boundary around our choices and speech. Practical Ways to Cultivate Reverence Today • Approach Scripture as God’s very words—read slowly, expectantly, believing every line. • Set apart quiet moments; silence trains the heart to listen for the “gentle whisper.” • Speak His name thoughtfully; avoid flippant or careless references. • Gather with believers who treat worship seriously—music, prayer, and preaching saturated with Scripture. • Remember physical cues: kneeling, lifted hands, bowed head—simple actions that echo Elijah’s covered face. • Regularly recall the cross: the cost of our access fuels grateful awe (1 Peter 1:18-19). The Blessings of a Reverent Heart • Deeper revelation—God entrusts more to hearts that honor Him (Psalm 25:14). • Stabilizing peace—when we see God’s greatness, our problems shrink (Isaiah 26:3). • Purified living—reverence motivates holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Lasting joy—the fear of the LORD leads to life and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). Elijah teaches that reverence is not optional background music; it is the posture that unlocks clear hearing, intimate fellowship, and transformed living before a holy God. |
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