Six Chief Parts
Issue 29
Finally, what does reverence look like? Does it wear shoes? Does it require a man to wear a long strand of fabric around his neck? Does it insist that women wear hats upon their heads? Do men have to put a razor to their face or should they let their beards grow long?
What is reverence? Is it an individual decision; is it dictated by cultural norms, or does it transcend both the will of the one and the many?
What is reverence? Is it our effort to please God and to win his favor? Is reverence an attempt to gain acceptance from the people around us?
WHAT IS REVERENCE AND HOW DO I KNOW IT WHEN I SEE IT?
Reverence is tied to the culture but it is a matter of the heart. It is also true that there is an aspect of it that transcends the will and the culture.
Reverence is a response to the good news that we, who do not belong in the presence of God, have been made children of God and heirs of his kingdom through the blood-bought forgiveness of our sins.
Reverence is awe and gratitude over what God has done for us through the sending of his beloved Son.
Reverence is showing a humility and modesty in God’s presence that is eager to boast in Christ alone.
Reverence does not want to be a distraction.
Reverence wants everyone to see that God is present in Christ and that Christ is present in His Word and Sacrament.
