Reverence for God

By Tim Miller  

I think of how most of us view God or approach him in today’s day and age.  I’ve seen t-shirts that say “Jesus is my homeboy”, WWJD bumper stickers and fish decals on the back of cars.  This stuff is all neat, and I’m sure it makes a few bucks for whoever is selling it.  But is this who our God really is?  Is our Lord and creator of the universe really something to stamp on a lunchbox and sell alongside Hannah Montana? Now, I’m not saying we should resort to strict solemnity where God rejects any form of fun or that we should be boring.  But I feel there is a fine line we need to take a look at.

Isa 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.  
Isa 6:2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  
Isa 6:3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Isa 6:4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
Isa 6:5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”

Read that passage closely.  Isaiah was in the presence of God.  He was standing before his throne.   I believe we can learn a lot from his response.  “Woe to me!” he cried, “I am a man of unclean lips.”  Isaiah knew he was not worthy to be in God’s presence, but it was only through God’s grace that he was allowed to stand before the Lord.  We can see what a powerful place God’s presence can be from this passage.  The seraphs that are there constantly must cover their faces from God’s burning holiness.  Yet, we will wear a WWJD bracelet as if it’s the latest fashion statement.

I want to make it clear here, I am in no way saying that when it comes to worship or praise that we cannot rejoice by dancing, laughing or enjoying God.  Jesus referred to God as “Abba” or “Father.”  This is unique to any other religion.  In Islam, it is considered blasphemy to give Allah any father-like attributes.  God is our father and he loves us and wants us to approach Him with our needs and requests.  But just like with our earthly fathers, there still needs to be that respect.  Prayer time with God should not just be a rapid fire session of our prayer requests, but an intimate time of worship, thanksgiving and intercession.  

We Americans feel that we are a pretty big deal.  We feel we are entitled to certain things and that there is much in this world that revolves around us.  I believe this passage in Isaiah can help balance us.  I know when I read it, it is quite humbling.  We get a glimpse of God’s amazing power and awesome beauty.  It would do us well to take the time to revere and enjoy our Father, our God.

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