When I played Little League baseball back in the 1950’s, I followed Major League baseball as well. I had a favorite team and a few favorite players whose statistics I knew by heart. I was in awe of their ‘super star’ status which was reserved for only the very elite who earned the respect of other players and fans because of their consistent superior performance. Today, however, the ‘super star’ label is given to many more players simply by performing above average sometimes for only a year or two. We live in a society in which respect, awe, and reverence have been somewhat diluted to the point where they do not seem to be valued as they once were.


Chapters 13 and 14 in the book of Proverbs provides two examples of respect which we are encouraged to follow. In 14:2 we read, “He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord”. The word fear is better understood as ‘respect’. Respect for the Lord is the starting point for all our other relationships. And in 13:24 Solomon tells us, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” A refusal to respect is a refusal to love. We are encouraged to develop a culture of respect in the family – respect for parents and respect for children, which involves loving discipline.


In John 20 we read the vivid accounts of those who first saw Jesus alive after He was raised from the dead. The tomb really was empty on Easter morning. Jesus’ followers really did meet and see him alive again. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene alone in a garden. Jesus does not ask Mary what she is looking for, but rather ‘who is it you are looking for’. Mary’s response is one of awe and amazement. As she realized it was Jesus, she cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni” (Master).


Mary’s awe and amazement could not be kept to herself as she rushed off to tell the disciples (v.18). Shortly thereafter Jesus came and stood in their midst and told them, “Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (v.21). The disciples in turn told Thomas of their encounter with Jesus because he had not been with them the first time. Eight days later Jesus again appeared to the disciples with Thomas present. Knowing that Thomas still had doubts that He had been resurrected, Jesus spoke directly to him, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (v.27). Thomas’ response was the pinnacle of respect, reverence, and awe as he answered and said unto Jesus, “My Lord and my God” (v.28). This was certainly a ’wow’ moment for Thomas as his doubt was removed and his faith in the living Christ was confirmed.


As believers, may we continually be in awe of Jesus’ resurrection and never lose sight of the significance of what this one single act did to secure our eternal destiny. The resurrection is the basis of our hope for life before death, as well as beyond it. May the Lord give each of us boldness to share this hope with others.