Reverent Awe

Reverent Awe
Words of Faith 5-5-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 12
[25] See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? [26] At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." [27] The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken— that is, created things— so that what cannot be shaken may remain. [28] Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, [29] for our "God is a consuming fire."

Now, be sure of this. Don't refuse him who speaks.

Who? Who is Him who speaks?

There is little doubt that the Writer thought of this Speaker as none other than Originator of the New Covenant who now sits "at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." Since those who refused the Old Covenant did not escape, how could those of the New Covenant who turn away expect to do so? So don't miss this. Do not refuse Him who speaks.

It was the divine voice that once shook only the earth, but will ultimately shake not only the earth but also the heavens. This voice speaks to the ultimate remaking of the heavens and earth, which will follow the millennial kingdom. What remains after this cataclysmic event will be eternal.

So too the Kingdom which we are receiving is eternal. Bottom line? See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. Be thankful. Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Why? For our God is a consuming fire.

It is interesting that we often think that the problem with obedience is the clarity of God's communication. "If only God would speak to me clearly, I would be happy to obey..." In reality, we may not be hearing clearly because we have not been obedient to matters already communicated.

God has spoken quite clearly in His Holy Word on many matters regarding our need to live under grace, live in purity, be good stewards, walk in honesty, honor family, and depend upon God. God may have also spoken to us by the conviction of His Spirit regarding a particular action or area of obedience. If we have failed to address any such area, that concern is very likely an impediment to our growth with God. So do not refuse Him who speaks in the Scripture, in the conscience, or in the still small voice.

So be thankful. Before we go to God asking for all the things He has not done for us, start by counting the many things that he has already provided. Worship with reverence and awe. God is not some "holy pal". We forget that. He is the Almighty and everlasting God of all the universe— Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Ancient of days.

Isn't it strange how we can get caught up in "rating" the worship styles and expressions of various gatherings? That is precisely NOT the point here. Our call is not to find worship that is acceptable to US— but find a manner acceptable to HIM. Our worship is not for our comfort (even though it gives us comfort), but for the honor of God. Our worship is also not for the purpose of drawing attention to ourselves. Jesus said that we would worship in Spirit and in Truth. We are to come in reverence— a sort of Holy fear— and approach Him in awe.

Why? For our God is a consuming fire. An encounter with God may warm the heart, but it is also likely to scorch our pride. An encounter with God may set us ablaze with the Spirit, but probably will also burn away the chaff of the world we have gathered. An encounter with God may melt a heart long cold with indifference, but it will also burn away impurity, wrong motives, self-deception, and denial.

Are you listening today? Are you thankful? Are you in reverent awe? Don't refuse Him who speaks.

Lord, let me encounter You today in ways that will make me more like You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2025
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2025 Jeffrey D. Hoy.