“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:28-29‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Suppose there is something which the religious systems such as Catholicism and Orthodox do well; it is maintaining a position of reverence and awe for God. They treat their services before God with a level of respect that indicates they are serving a God or at the least respect God. Within the more Spirit-led organisations, you could be uncertain as to who they are serving, as a lot of the time, it looks like a self-glorifying fun time. The primary focus of their gatherings is to feel good, lift people and gather huge crowds. When you gather corporately before God, is there a fragrance of respect and reverence before a Holy God, or is there more of an air of excitement as to singing some fun songs and hearing a message that will make you feel better?

The author has sandwiched the need to serve God with reverence and awe with two opposite reasons. The first is from a position of thankfulness that we will receive an eternal reward in Christ Jesus in His new creation. Our reward will be the resurrection into the place where there is no illness, and the lion and the lamb and the toddler all play together. The second is from a position of fear, by a reminder that our God is a consuming fire. His presence covers mountains with shaking, smoke, fire and the sound of trumpets. The author, by reminding us of both sides of our God, well places us to be in a continual position to serve God with reverence and awe. We must keep these points in the forefront of our minds and hearts because if we slip too much towards one end, it can lead to a walk which Jesus rejects.

A walk focused on fear will lead to religious systems emphasising works over faith. If you focus too much on thankfulness and eternity, it leads toward hyper-grace and ear-tingling preaching. This is why the author surrounds the direction to serve God correctly with both focus points because we must keep both in mind. When you remember the thankfulness and the fear, it will help keep you on the narrow path of reverence, awe and obedience to Jesus. Today reflect and analyse your walk, your heart and where you choose to make a Christian family. Do you see the demonstration of reverence and awe before an all-consuming fire where the praise of thanksgiving and joy rises in worship and praise? Your life, the life of your family and your church community must start demonstrating the reverence and awe an all-consuming fire deserves.