AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question WHAT IS DEVOTION ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?COULD I GET SOME EXAMPLES OF IT FROM THE BIBLE?
Answer Hi Bhupendra
Thank you for your question.
A quick look at my concordance suggests that the actual word “devotion” doesn’t appear in the written Word of God. In the Authorised (King James) version, there is only one example: Acts 17:23 (where it is in the plural). However, even here, the margin gives the sense is as it is found in other translations: “gods that ye worship”.
The word that is used (sebasmata) refers to something that is adored – the object of one’s worship. This, of course, is a word, and a concept, found all the way through the Bible, from Gen 22:5 to Rev.22:9, and means showing the worth of someone or something.
In the Old Testament, the word that is most commonly used (shachah) means to prostrate oneself, and indicates the superiority of the object of worship. It is an attitude of reverence, adoration, obedience, and service.
The principal word in the New Testament (proskuneo) means to “kiss toward” (like a dog licking its master’s hand, according to Strong). This is interpreted as, again, prostrating oneself in reverence, homage, and adoration, and the word is used in the Septuagint (the Greek language version of the Old Testament) to translate shachah. This gives us a concept of worship that is a combination of the reverential attitude of mind and body with a sense of awe, that expresses itself in outward, often ceremonial, actions.
So, in an endeavour to sum up in the terms of your question: devotion is an attitude of reverence, worship, and obedience that involves my whole being. Whilst it is true that the specific English language word does not appear in the Bible (the one exception has already been noted!), the concept is to be found on just about every page. Just a few examples to get you started: Gen.22:5; Ex.12:31; I Sam.15:25; Ps.2:11; Ps.95:6; Zech.14:16; Matt. 4:10; John 4:24; Acts 17:23; Rom.12:1; Heb.1:6; Rev.4:10; Rev.22:8-9.
I trust that you will find this to be helpful, and be found showing true devotion and worship to the Triune God Who is worthy of all of the adoration that we can offer.
Blessings
C.Brian Ross (Rev)
