REVEREND

Psa 111:9  He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. 

           It is customary to address ministers as Reverend, but is that proper?  When people address me as Reverend, I do not rebuke them lest I hurt their feelings, and I know it is custom.  I, however, do not address myself as Reverend when introducing myself to others.  I really do not believe we are worthy to be called Reverend.  The text says His name is holy and reverend.  In other words reverend is coupled with holy.

           Let us notice some things that are not reasons to call our Lord's Name Reverend.  He never was a high church man.  In Matt. 23:9 He even said, "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."  He was not an ordained minister by religious leaders.  In Mark 6:3 He was rather known as simply the carpenter's son.  He was not reverend because He was a Great Healer.  He was not reverend even because He was a Great Preacher.

           Let us note some reasons why it was proper that Our Lord's name should be reverend.  Isaiah in 9:6, gave us several reasons, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  His holy character qualifies Him to be so called.  Then He is also the Wonderful Counselor.  See Rom. 11:34 "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?"  He is the Mighty God.  See Mark 10:18 "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."   Jesus was here claiming to be God.  He is even the Everlasting Father.  In John 10:30 He said that He and His Father were One.  He is also the Prince of Peace.  See  John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

           Surely, He properly is called reverend.  For these reasons we should not bear the name.