A Scout is Reverent

One of the attributes in the Scout Law is that a Scout is Reverent.

Our Scouts, many of them have been learning what that term means. I want us to dig into the Bible and discover what the word means, as well as how and why we all should be reverent towards God.

So First let us define the word Reverent

Pocket Dictionary of Liturgy & Worship Reverence

From Latin revereor, “to be in awe of,” an aspect of biblical worship

The proper sense of awe, respect and wonder that is inspired and demanded by an encounter with, or meditation upon, the character and activity of the living God. Also: Awe; Devout; Fear of God; Godliness; Revere; Reverent; Veneration; Wonder.

You may have heard the phrase “Fear the Lord.”

When we think of “Fear” we think of it as a negative word. We shouldn’t have fear, according to other verses we read in the Bible, so that may be a little confusing.

Let’s think of it this way, the only thing to fear, is not necessarily fear itself, but God alone.

Let’s pray and Read Psalm 111 for more understanding.

Psalm 111 NRSV

1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.

This passage tells us a lot about why and how we be reverent towards God.

First, lets talk about why we should revere God

Great are His works! In other words, look at creation; the birds, sea creatures, other animals, humans, forests, mountains and oceans!

He is Holy! That means that God is right and just in all He does and commands.

He gives us grace when we do something wrong. And when we are in a rough situation, we have mercy. Our sins cannot hold us back and away from His love.

He blesses us. Those who love Him can tell all the ways He has been good to them. Think about all of our blessings.

God is good on His promises. God promises to be with us always, and He is. He promises to guide us and lead us well as long as we follow and use the gifts and skills God has given us for His purpose. That means that we will be a blessing to Him and His creation as much as He has been a blessing for us.

Not only does God bless us and keeps His promises, but He is faithful to us to keep blessing us and loving us and forgive us regardless of who we are and the choices we make.

So how do we revere God?

Study God’s works as we read them in the Bible. Learn about God like you learn about a new friend by praying to God which is just like having a conversation with Him.

Recognize your blessings and then give thanks to God for all you have. Give God credit where the credit is due.

Be faithful in service to God. As God is faithful to you, be faithful to Him. Respect God by acknowledging Him in all things that you say and do.

Obey His commands. If there is ever any reason to question God’s forgiveness, know that it is our resonsibility to obey God’s laws. Why should we obey God’s laws? He created this world and therefore has every write to set the boundaries for those whom He created and who live in His creation.

If we understand what it means when it says that we are to “fear” the Lord, then we understand that it means that we respect God, knowing that He holds all power and might.

God is righteous, without error and is never wrong.

When we fail to obey His commands, we face the consequences of our actions. That could be a reason to truly fear God.

Those who do not fear God in this way, shows no respect and doesn’t obey His commands do face His wrath.

However, remember that God is perfect in love. Through His son, our sins and our broken Him nature are forgiven and made whole.

This gives us reasons to not fear God in a way that causes us pain or makes us scared of God.

Remember, God is Good to those whom He loves. All of us are loved by God.

God does not expect us to figure out this reverence on our own. We have His Holy Spirit with us to lead us to do good things, and experience His blessings abundantly.

This is what Covenant means.

When we give God our deepest and sincere respect, and give our lived over to Christ, our blessings abound.

As followers of Christ, we are children of God who shows us the way to live and guides us to make the best choices.

This is true Reverence. Not only recognizing God’s glory and righteousness but living within His glory and righteousness.

We do not fear God for His wrath.

We fear God out of respect for who He is.

Let us be awe-inspired by God’s creation!

Let us rejoices in His goodness!

He is good to us and will be with us for all eternity.

In the name of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Amen