Say What Again??

As we begin our word study today I want us to look at another word that is often used improperly and without a real understanding, many times, of the original language. In case there is any misunderstandings, I want to make our study clear. If you wrote a letter today and used today's words, your letter would not be confusing to too many people as they read it today. If, however, your letter were found 50 years from today and someone began reading it, they may be completely at a loss as to what was being said. They would need to go back to the date of the writing and understand what was being said by the words used when that letter was written. This is what I hope is understood as these word studies are put together. Too often we expect the bible to say what we want it to mean in our world or culture today, but it does not work that way. What God said is what God meant when God had His word written.

Today's word is 'reverend'. I am sure we have all heard of men or women being called reverend. Reverend is a word that has changed meaning over the years and without regard for its true biblical meaning. Only one time in all of scripture is this word ever used and it does not refer to man by any means. Of all the versions of the bible the one place I have found it is in the Kings James version in Psalm 111:9. Psalm 111:9 reads, "He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is His name. " (KJV)

Another version reads, "He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name!" (RSV)

Two words are used in two different readings but means the same thing. God is something to be revered and highly respected and feared with great honor. Why is it we see man taking on the name "reverend" but never do we see him taking on the name "terrible"? They mean the exact same thing in the language written. People will say it is such a trivial thing to get caught up in words when the word reverend today means only a title of respect for the ones in ecclesiastical positions. If this be the case, call any member of the' clergy?' pope and see what word game follows.

I believe since words are the main vehicle by which we convey thoughts and
ideas, we should be extremely careful how we express them to others. When man takes on any name reserved for God I believe one of two things happens; either we bring God down to our level, or man raises himself up to God's level. Neither one is the right thing to do. God and God alone is Holy and Highly to be Revered. Man should only be the servant to bring ms message to the lost.

In Acts 10:25 we read, " And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am only a man." We find somewhat the same thing in Acts 14 when men were wanting to worship Paul and his company, calling them 'gods' of the day.

These apostles, great men of faith did not accept any special title or reverence, they wanted only to make known the ONE who is truly REVEREND.

I hope these devotions encourage as they are meant, as I only write to make known Him who is to be highly exalted.