July 2, 2003
Reading
Reading
“If
you say ‘our Father’ … you must stand in awe of Him” (17, NEB
Recently, while looking at some old books that belong to my mother-in-law, I found a copy of the New English Bible (NEB). Once I began reading it, I had a hard time putting it down, and am still enjoying reading it every day. The above text and reading had a new impact on me when read in this version. The verse actually reads, “If you say ‘our Father’ to the One who judges every man impartially on the record of his deeds, you must stand in awe of Him while you live out your time on earth.”
When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He opened with the salutation “Our Father in heaven” (Matt 6:9), and since that day Christians have addressed God in this manner. Over the years, I have heard God addressed in this manner in many ways, from flippantly to reverently, and as a matter of rote to an expression of heartfelt love.
Peter says, the use of this salutation involves a responsibility – that we “stand in awe of Him.” This qualifying action eliminates all forms of flippancy and irreverence. If ever a prayer has been and is used in vain repetition, it is the ‘Lord’s Prayer.’ The new pastor in the church in which I was raised, would repeat this prayer so fast that it seemed he wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible. The order of service required he say the prayer, but it was said without reverence, let alone instilling the desire to stand in awe of the One addressed by the prayer. I would like to share with you some words the Lord gave me while meditating on this thought:
There is only one Master to whom I turn,
There is only one Way to God;
It was for me He left His glory above,
And I stand in awe of Him.
Neither silver or gold could my freedom buy,
Notyhing this earth could provide;
His precious blood alone could redeem my soul,
And I stand in awe of Him.
Because of His love I believe in Him,
Because He lives, I trust Him;
He owns death and the grave, and I have no fear,
And I stand in awe of Him.
In brilliance He’s clothed, brighter than the sun,
In full majesty He reigns;
Immortal, Invisible, God only wise,
And I stand in awe of Him.
I love and adore Him, I praise His dear name,
I declare that He is my Lord;
He suffered a shameful death, but I’m not ashamed,
For I stand in awe of Him.
He’s coming again, this Redeemer of mine,
He’s coming to take me home;
For ever I’ll stand in His presence divine,
And I’ll stand in awe of Him.
Dave Peckham