"Sins of omission, not heinous deeds of violence, are chosen as indicative of spiritual state." -The Wycliffe Bible Commentary
Psalm 110:1 says - "The LORD said unto my Lord..."
Acts 2:36 says - "...that same Jesus, Whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Acts 10:36 says - "...Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:)"
Philippians 2:10-11 says - "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
1 Corinthians 8:6 says - "...and one Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom are all things, and we by Him."
Jesus is Lord! As Christians, when we got saved, we first confessed this. Now, in the face of adversities, troubles, difficulties, infirmities, and demonic attacks, we declare this.
But what exactly does it mean when we say that - "Jesus is Lord"?
What is behind the word "Lord" in the above Scriptures?
In Psalm 110:1, David called Jesus "Lord" (Adonai) - meaning that He is One Who has rule, authority, or dominion...is owner or possessor...or is superior in rank.
Both in Acts 2:36 and Acts 10:36, Luke referred to Him as "Lord" and "Lord of all" - meaning that God has given Him dominion in the heavens...made Him ruler of all things whereby He now rules in heaven and on earth and will yet come to judge the world. He is the supreme Governor of all things and persons - Jews, Gentiles, angels, and men. He is Maker, Preserver, and Redeemer. All power in heaven and on earth has been placed into His hands along with all judgment.
He is Lord of the angels...Lord of the powers of darkness... King of the nations...and King of the saints.
In Philippians 2:10-11, the Apostle Paul referred to the universal confession - "Jesus Christ is Lord" - whereby all will acknowledge Him as Sovereign Lord - whether in joy or sorrow - but all to the glory of God.
Again, in 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul mentioned "one Lord Jesus Christ" as the one and only Upholder of the universe... Governor of the world and the church...Creator and Former of all things...and God over all. What is implied in this verse is the fact that all true Christians acknowledge subjection to Him alone and not to many sovereigns. They receive their laws solely from Him and to Him they submit their lives - while rejecting all other lords - as sin, Satan, and the world.
Jesus Christ is Lord!
Many in our day and time are repeating these words, but is Jesus actually "Lord of all" - when it comes to their personal lives?
Is it possible to address Him as "Lord" without Him even knowing you?
Ask the "foolish virgins" in Matthew 25:11 who cried out to Jesus - "Lord, Lord" - only to receive a shut door.
Or ask those classified as "goats" in Matthew 25:44 who addressed Jesus as "Lord" - only to have Him issue them a scathing judgment - "...Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).
And, finally, ask the false leaders in Matthew 7:21 who complied not with the will of God, yet addressed Jesus as "Lord, Lord" - and received the severe sentence - "...I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:23).
In Matthew 25, we find the "foolish virgins" caught unprepared. When the Bridegroom came, their lamps were going out. They had no oil to replenish them. They were not ready at the right time. Hence, they missed out completely.
Correct preparations should have been made early - not waiting until it was too late. They missed their opportunity. They were foolish in that they refused to think ahead. They presumed that they could rely on others at the last minute.
The truth of the matter is - the "foolish virgins" represent all those whose relationship with Jesus is on the surface - "rocky ground" - if you will. It doesn't go to the depths. They don't exercise a constant vigilance over their souls - making sure that they are filled with a daily supply of the knowledge of God's Word, His Spirit, grace, faith, and holiness.
Even though they address Jesus as "Lord, Lord," He isn't fooled. Their unpreparedness warrants them a "shut door" and the words - "I know you not."
In Matthew 25:44, we find those represented as "goats" - standing on Jesus' left side - and addressing Him as "Lord" - "...Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee?" Their lack of faith in Him produced a hardheartedness to the poor.
These are your typical nominal Christians who make a profession of Christianity and own Jesus as Lord. But they are extremely selfish - taken up with their own ease and pleasure...reluctant to part with their money...and at ease in Zion. They live unloving, uncaring, and selfish lives. They neglect Jesus whenever they neglect the "least" of their brethren. Their indifference to the needs of others is damnable. Their motive is reward and not sacrificial love.
Even though the ones classified as "goats" addressed Jesus as "Lord," this was His response to them - "...Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).
Lastly, we find a group of ministers in Matthew 7:21 who found out quickly that it is not enough to say, "Lord, Lord" - to own Jesus for their Master - unless they decide to obey Him.
He said to those who ministered in His Name - "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father Which is in heaven." He made it plain and clear that ministerial success is not the standard by which we are to judge a minister's relationship to Him. The mere performance of spectacular deeds is not necessarily His sign of approval.
These same ministers had no hearty love to Christ...no true faith in Him...and no real concern to preach His Gospel, advance His glory, or promote His kingdom. They were in ministry for themselves - to please the people and aggrandize themselves.
Despite the miracles and supernatural signs, Jesus said to them - "...I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity."
What is the lesson to be gotten in this message?
If you are going to address Jesus as "Lord, Lord," He better be just that - One Who has all rule and authority over your life.
You saw how He judged the "foolish virgins" for their unpreparedness...the "goats" for their selfishness and indifference to their needy brethren...and the ministers for their failure to do His will.
Remember, because He is "Lord," all judgment lies in His hands.
That includes yours!
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
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