TEXT:
‘To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 1:7).
The Apostle Paul used this greeting many times when writing to churches and individuals. We often use the words “Jesus” and “Christ”, but Today’s Teaching looks at Jesus as “Lord!” The more we understand this, the more we will reverence Him and benefit from His name.
1. Lord – His Position: ‘These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful’ (Revelation 17:14).
World leaders such as Putin and Biden appear to be mighty and able to do what they want, but Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, and that includes them. This is why Jesus was able to resist, when during the temptation in the wilderness, Satan offered Him leadership of the world’s kingdoms. All He had to do was bow down and worship (See Luke 4:5-8). Jesus was able to refuse because it was already His. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, past, present and future!
It’s a tragedy when churches and Christians only remember Jesus on the cross. Yes, He died on the cross but rose from the dead and declared, ‘All authority in heaven and earth is given unto Me’ (Matthew 28:18).
A lifeless figure on a cross appears powerless, unable to intervene in our lives. The cross was necessary for our salvation, but it wasn’t His final destination, nor was the tomb. That was His position, but now He’s alive and seated at the right hand of God the Father, waiting until His enemies are made His footstool (See Hebrews 10:12-13). He will return to rule and reign on earth. Bow the knee now in love and worship, for He is your Lord!
2. Lord – His Power: ‘When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”’ (Luke 10:17 NLT).
Lord Jesus Christ is a powerful name that even demons must submit to. Through the name of Jesus there is power to be healed of sickness and disease, be delivered from evil spirits and receive the forgiveness of sin. In Britain’s monarchy. King Charles has the position, but the real power of government lies with the House of Commons and not even the House of Lords can stop their decisions, only act in an advisory capacity. Jesus is not just a figurehead, having a position but no real power and authority.
- Power to Heal
The Centurion recognised this when he said, ‘Sir, I am not worthy to have you in my home; and it isn’t necessary for you to come. If you will only stand here and say, ‘Be healed,’ my servant will get well! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers, and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave boy, ‘Do this or that,’ and he does it. And I know you have authority to tell his sickness to go—and it will go!” (Matthew 8:8-9 TLB).
How thrilled Jesus was to hear such words of faith. He was only sad it didn’t come from the children of Israel. Jesus promised, ‘And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; … they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover’ (Mark 16:17-18).
When the early church was threatened if they continued to teach and preach in the name of Jesus, they responded by praying, ‘Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus’ (Acts 4:29-30). That’s exactly what happened as God answered their prayer.
- Power to Deliver
A woman from Canaan heard about a Jesus who could deliver sufferers from demons (See Matthew 15:21-28). As her daughter was severely afflicted, she came to Jesus pleading for help. At first, He ignored her, so she turned to the disciples. Their reaction was to send her away. Undeterred, she worshipped Jesus, crying out for help. She called Him “Lord”, because He is, although He wasn’t her Lord. In the end Jesus commended her faith and persistence, sending her home with the words, “The demon has gone out of your daughter!”
Demons abound today as much as they did in the days of Jesus. The only way of setting people free from them is still the same too – the Lord Jesus Christ!
- Power to Forgive – ‘Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom’ (Luke 23:42)
The thief recognised he was being rightly punished for his crime, but he knew Jesus had done nothing wrong. Facing death, he showed Jesus he had faith in life after death for both of them. Jesus honoured his faith and declared, ‘Today you will be with Me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43). What love Jesus extends to the unlovable, including the forgiveness of all sins!
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, works in us as we put our faith in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Lord – Our Response: ‘Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven’ (Matthew 7:21 TLB).
- In Humility – ‘After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet’ (John 13:12-14 NLT).
Those who desire to be the greatest must first humble themselves, learn to serve and help refresh others. Jesus, as Lord, said He didn’t come to be served but to serve (See Matthew 20:28)
- In Obedience – ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments’ (John 14:15).
Obedience is expected, for the saying goes, “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all!” Are there some things you need to start doing or stop from doing, because you recognise His lordship over your life? Jesus said, ‘Why do you call Me Lord, Lord and not do the things which I say?’ (Luke 6:46).
The time will come when every knee must bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Can you, from your heart, say He is, and that He is your Lord too?
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