Leviticus 26:2 (KJV) – “Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.”
Reverence, as an act of worship, is a non-negotiable command. How does the Lord expect us to
express reverence to Him? Leviticus 26:2 links keeping God’s Sabbath with a profound reverence for
His sanctuary. This emphasis proves that these acts are not mere rituals but deep expressions of
respect, awe, and submission to the Lord.
In ancient Israel, the sanctuary was God’s dwelling place a holy and deeply respected space. Similarly, the Sabbath was God’s holy time, set apart strictly for communion with Him. Clearly, we see that reverence to God is manifest in how we treat all He has sanctified. In our time, this principle extends beyond the literal Tabernacle. It encompasses our places of worship, our devotional times (whether the Sabbath or personal devotions), and even our very lives and bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. This touches every area of praise and worship where our reverence for God should be displayed. Yet we have allowed worldliness and secularism to creep in, replacing God with world leaders as objects to be reverenced or esteemed more highly than the Giver of life Himself.
In the book Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 492, E. G. White says: “If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in silence. The whispering and laughing and talking which might be without sin in a common business place should find no sanction in the house where God is worshiped.”
Reflection:
How do you demonstrate reverence for God during your devotional times both in public and in
private? Do you always recognize the presence of God? Are there times when your attitude and
demeanor do not fully reflect the reverence you desire to show Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge You as the holy and awesome God, worthy of all reverence.
Forgive us for the times our hearts or actions have been casual in Your presence, or when we have
not fully honored Your sacred times and places. We pray for a spirit of deep reverence to fill us,
shaping our attitudes and demeanor in every aspect of our lives especially when we gather for
worship or spend time in private communion with You. Help us to keep Your Sabbaths holy and to
always approach Your sanctuary, whether physical or spiritual, with awe and humility, knowing that
You are there. May our lives be a living testament to Your holiness and our love for You. Amen.