LORD

 

LORD

The Significance of Jesus as Lord

The earliest confession of faith in Christianity was a profound declaration: Jesus is Lord! Early Christians believed that, through his death and resurrection, the Father exalted Jesus above all powers and persons in the universe. This recognition of Jesus as Lord is significant because it asserts that everyone—friends, foes, and even the devil—will ultimately acknowledge his authority.

In the New Testament, the Greek word Kyrios (Lord) is used in various contexts, referring to an owner, emperor, king, father, husband, or master. It also translates three important Hebrew names and titles for God: Yahweh, Adonai, and Elohim. Initially, when people addressed Jesus as Kyrios, they showed respect as one would a rabbi or teacher. However, after his resurrection, the title became widely used among believers, highlighting Jesus’ divine authority.

Over time, the title Lord transformed into a name that directly identifies Jesus with Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Hebrew Scriptures. Of the 717 occurrences of Kyrios in the New Testament, many are found in Luke’s Gospel, the Acts of the Apostles, and the writings of Paul.

---

Praying to the Lord

One day, my daughter asked, “Mom, you know that part in the Bible that says you don’t really love God if you don’t love your brother? Does that mean I have to love Luci?” I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she contemplated the implications of this command. Would she need to change how she treated her annoying little sister? This led us to a discussion about removing the plank from one’s own eye first.

Her reaction to the command reminds me of my own responses to God’s challenges—ones I often prefer to avoid. Just like my daughter, I sometimes want to justify my reluctance with a little word that can have a big impact: but.

Consider some of Jesus’ teachings:

• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
  I would, Lord, but you don’t know my boss. He’s out to get me.

• “If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
  Lord, you can’t expect me to forgive someone who doesn’t even want forgiveness for all the rotten things they’ve done to me.

• “Stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear.”
  Lord, you know what’s happened to my retirement fund this year. I don’t want to worry, but I really can’t help it.

• “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.”
  Lord, you don’t know what it’s like to live with that woman!

Jesus never promised that following him would be easy. Instead, he assured us that those who accept him as Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, leading to a deeper experience of his presence and power.

Jesus, help me stop making excuses. When I find myself justifying my actions, interrupt my thoughts and remind me of your words. Fill me with your Spirit so I can fulfill your requests and become the person you desire me to be.

---

Promises Associated with the Name

“Why do you criticize or despise other Christians? Everyone will stand in front of God to be judged. Scripture says, ‘As certainly as I live, says the Lord, everyone will worship me, and everyone will praise God.’ All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God.”
— Romans 14:10-12

“Dear friends, don’t ignore this fact: One day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.”
— 2 Peter 3:8-9

---

Reflection

The title Lord emphasizes Jesus’ supreme authority and divine nature. Accepting Jesus as Lord calls us to a life of obedience, surrender, and transformation. Through his teachings, he invites us to confront our excuses and respond with love, forgiveness, and faith.

As we meditate on the significance of Jesus as Lord, may we recognize his sovereignty in our lives. Let us strive to be open to his commands, allowing his Spirit to empower us to fulfill his will and reflect his love in our interactions with others.