“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
Dear Jesus, it always come back to you, and well it should. There’s simply nothing more important about us than how we relate to you from our hearts. The one question always on the table is, “Who do you say I am?” (Matt.16:15). How we respond impacts everything about us. Free us to revere you more.
So, what does it mean to “revere” you, Jesus? It certainly doesn’t mean to be afraid of you, for your perfect love drives out all fear. We revere you when we give you the love, adoration, worship of which you alone are worthy.
We revere you when awe fills our hearts—astonishment that you love us just as much as you say you do. We revere you when our communion and fellowship with you give us more satisfaction and joy than any and all of our best human relationships.
When we revere you, we show up as servants in our relationships—not as doormats, but as foot-washers. Not as slaves to man, but as children of Abba. Not to make anybody happy or holy, (which is impossible), but to love others as you love us.
We revere you when we forgive as you have forgiven us; when we forbear with others as you forbear with us every second of every minute; when we extend mercy and grace, as you extravagantly do to us all the time. Oh Jesus, free us to revere, love, and enjoy you more than ever. So very Amen, we pray, in your matchless and merciful name.
