I have heard this said many, many times over the years. I have always just thought it meant that I can personally identify with Jesus as being Lord of my life. A Lord being a person who is like a prince and has power and authority over others (according to Wikipedia and my little google search). I guess Jesus is Lord over my life when it suits me for Him to be, but generally I like to do what I like....
I recently heard a sermon, though, that suggest that this Lord thing means so much more. I have been thinking about it, and just for the record, I am not rehashing that sermon here, but if Jesus is Lord, then what does that mean?
Firstly, I have been taken by the names of God. Reading "The Ultimate guide to the names of God" by Elmer L. Towns, we can find x3 primary names of God. The first is Yahweh or Jehovah - a personal name for God that relates to His self- existence (He exists outside of anything else - including time), His power, His presence and His Holiness. It is a name that the Jews at times were unable to pronounce, lest they profane His name. It is the essence of who He is.
There is another name, Elohim, which relates to the strength and creative nature of God. We find this name in the story of Creation.
Then there is Adonai, which, interestingly enough, describes God as the ultimate Master (of a slave) or Lord. Now I don't particularly like to be called a slave, but if we are to be Christians, then maybe that is exactly what we are called to be - ministers, whole-heartedly, to the Lord God Almighty. Just a thought.... Considering this is one of the primary names of God, there must be something in it, if not simply a requirement for a strong sense of the Holy reverence for who God is.
Jesus himself is the son of the living God. I think in the following verses we can see elements of all 3 names of God in Jesus. Yahweh/ Jehovah, Elohim and Adonai.
Col 1: 16-20 (names of God bible). (The author is speaking in regards to Jesus)
He created all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. Whether they are kings or lords, rulers or powers— everything has been created through him and for him. He existed before everything and holds everything together. He is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, the first to come back to life so that he would have first place in everything.
God was pleased to have all of himself live in Christ. God was also pleased to bring everything on earth and in heaven back to himself through Christ. He did this by making peace through Christ’s blood sacrificed on the cross.
John 1:1-5, 9-14 (John is talking about Jesus). Names of God bible
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was already with God in the beginning. Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him. He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity. The light shines in the dark, and the dark has never extinguished it.
The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him. Yet, the world didn’t recognize him. He went to his own people, and his own people didn’t accept him. However, he gave the right to become God’s children to everyone who believed in him. These people didn’t become God’s children in a physical way—from a human impulse or from a husband’s desire to have a child. They were born from God. The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory. It was the glory that the Father shares with his only Son, a glory full of kindness and truth.
Maybe, through Jesus, we become less of a slave to the Master / Lord and more of a Son? Nonetheless, Jesus is still Lord, and Lord over everything in existence, including us! This makes a lot of sense to me when looking at Jesus' ministry. The walking on water, the calming of the storm, the changing of water to wine and the multiplication of bread and fish, all points to his Lordship over creation.
But reassuringly, this Glory of God that we worship, is full of kindness and life and light and truth. The darkness indeed has not understood it nor overcome it. We are children of the light, and we have access to His glory.
1 Thess 5: 5-11 (The New Living translation)
For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Romans 8: 15- 17.
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
It's funny how we can read these verses and the only thing that stands out is that last sentence.... I personally am not too fond of suffering, but I kind of like the kindness, truth and glory of God! However, if Jesus is Lord, then He is Lord, regardless of my desire for creature comforts and pampering. I am afraid to admit that I am soft. But God is bigger than all of that. He is in all things and through all the things and He is the author of life itself (which I will never understand). And yet, somehow God has a huge soft spot in His heart just for me. Jesus is a full revelation of Adonai and is indeed our Lord.
Psalm 97 (Complete Jewish Bible)
Adonai is king, let the earth rejoice, let the many coasts and islands be glad. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him, setting ablaze his foes on every side. His flashes of lightning light up the world; the earth sees it and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Adonai, at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. All who worship images will be put to shame, those who make their boast in worthless idols. Bow down to him, all you gods! Tziyon hears and is glad, Adonai; the daughters of Y’hudah rejoice at your rulings. For you, Adonai, most high over all the earth, you are exalted far above all gods. You who love Adonai, hate evil! He keeps his faithful servants safe. He rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in Adonai, you righteous; and give thanks on recalling his holiness.
Let us give thanks and rejoice, for Jesus is Lord!
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