You’ve heard some Jesus freaks say it…well maybe you haven’t – but you should have!
Jesus Christ is Lord!
But for those of us who never grew up in English Manor life of the1800’s, what does it actually mean?
Let’s break it down:
Jesus:
An everyday, unattractive, Jewish man who lived from 4AD to 30AD. Much has been written about His life & death, with the Bible claiming He rose from the dead.
Numerous specific prophecies thousands of years earlier predicted His very unusual and now famous birth:
- Born in a manger (animal food trough).
- Born in Bethlehem, Called a Nazarene
- Visited by Shepherds and Distinguished Guests (Magi = Astrologers)
- Highly Symbolic Gifts Given (Gold = King, Frankincense = Priest, Myrrh = Born to die)
- Baptised and confirmed as Messiah by John
- Lived Sin free, Healed the sick, Gave sight to the blind, Raised the dead
- Upheld the law, brought new message of hope, worked for (and revealed) His Father
- Gave strength to the weak, Encouraged the sad, Friend of sinners (like you and me!)
- Killed by Romans, No Bones Broken, Put in a borrowed mans grave
Christ:
In Hebrew = Messiah, in Greek = Christ or “Anointed One”, God’s coming King was thought to be a political or military Saviour. The people mistakenly thought Jesus would rescue them from the oppressive rule of the Romans in a war-like manner.
While His physical rule over the whole world will occur some day, Jesus’ first stint on earth (as a human) was far more important…
Instead of entering the forecast city on a victory war-horse, He came as prophesied: on a humble donkeys’ colt. He ignored the people’s desire to crown Him King & defeat the Romans.
Despite holding the Creators power over the Universe, He submitted to unjust charges and a criminals death on a cross, just as planned by God. This huge cost was the price needed to pay for the sins of the world – specifically those who would trust in this great act of love. He was indeed the Saviour of the world! But it wasn’t the end…
Despite the best efforts of the Jews (and the Romans) to avoid a conspiracy, Jesus rose from the dead 3 days later, presenting Himself to some of the world’s most doubting critiques.
He showed His power over Creation, over sickness, over time and even over death. This was the Messiah, The Christ, God’s Anointed One – the King of Kings.
Is Lord:
Lord of the Manor? Lord of the Flies? Lord of the Rings?
Nope – Jesus is the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings – there is no higher level. There will come a day where everyone will realise exactly what this means, where the Creator of the Universe judges everyone and everything. Where Jesus takes His rightful place as the King of the Universe – the throne from which He will rule forever.1Revelation 19:16 (NLT) On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
But until this time, He is giving people a chance to repent & become part of His family, as opposed to being condemned. The opportunity exists to submit to Him as who He is: Lord. 22 Peter 3:9 (NLT) The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
While the title may be an empty one for many – those under the true Kingship or Lordship of Jesus are willing to go where He leads, live like He lived and proclaim the message He proclaims.
It is a position of selflessness: selfless giving, selfless forgiving, selfless proclaiming, selfless living, selfless serving. A position that is the opposite of human (selfish) nature and therefore society at large.
Quite simply, those who can say that “Jesus is Lord” with conviction, (i.e. they mean it!), no longer live for themselves, but live for Him. 32 Corinthians 5:15 (NLT) He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 4Luke 17:10 (NLT) In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’” 5Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
“So, is Jesus your King, your Lord, your Life, your All?”
Prayer: Lord, help me to submit to You as Lord, as King. Help me to see that the things I see around me, my family, my work, this society, are only temporary. Help me to live in a way that honours You, knowing that You are in control. Please make it clear what You have planned for me to do and may Your Spirit give me the strength I need to step out in faith. And Lord, please highlight the areas of my life that I need to turn form or work on, for Your glory.
Footnotes:
- 1Revelation 19:16 (NLT) On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
- 22 Peter 3:9 (NLT) The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
- 32 Corinthians 5:15 (NLT) He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
- 4Luke 17:10 (NLT) In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
- 5Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.