JESUS - LORD TO ME

 

Introduction:

In our American culture and language we seldom use the term "Lord." In fact, it is more European than American and it's usage can be easily authenticated throughout just about every monarchy in history dating back to antiquity.

Since it is not a commonly used term in our country, and since we do not live under the rule of royalty, with all of it's various levels and layers of royal titles, the word "Lord" has lost it's meaning, especially in our present generation.

We Americans don't like authority. We are proud of our personal freedoms and dare anyone to try to take them away. We tolerate authority in order to get a paycheck; in order to stay out of jail; and in order to make our social fabric work. We don't like to be bossed around, told what to do, have demands made on us, or otherwise controlled. We are, after all, Americans.

And, herein lies the problem. When we became a Christian, we brought all of our personality quirks, our self-centered mindset, and our "born to be free" attitude right along with us. Some learned early on to surrender all of those damaging and besetting behaviors to the Lord. Others continue to carry their old life attitudes with them and are in constant turmoil as a Christian.

Just to help our understanding of the word "Lord," I will read to you the first definition in Webster's Dictionary. He states:

"Lord"

"A person who has authority, control, or power over others; master, or ruler." Webster

Now, it isn't that we don't KNOW that definition, it's that we don't LIVE what that definition requires.

In Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son. This would be no ordinary birth; no ordinary child. For the angel declared that … "thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins."

Simon Peter echoes that reality when he assuredly states in 1st Peter 1:18 & 19 -- "Forasmuch as ye know, that ye were no redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversations as received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

A. The blood of Jesus saves the repentant sinner from the curse, bondage and judgment of sin.

  1. His blood is the most precious element to ever touch the earth. It is not the blood of an animal or an ordinary human. His is the blood of the Son of God - the blood of the Lord - the blood of the Almighty - the blood of the creator.
  2. Unlike all other conquerors and Lords of human invention who demand the death of any who do not bow to them, this Lord, Himself, paid the penalty of death for the people so His people could live.
  3. The death from which His blood frees us is not just the death of the human body but the death of the soul - forever separated from God for all eternity. This is what the Bible calls the "second death."

 

In the book of John, Chapter 6, Jesus was questioning His disciples as to whether they would leave Him as others were doing. In the 68th verse, Peter, verbalizes an eternal sentiment when he says, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words to eternal life."

B. The words of eternal life are in the hands of the Lord.

  1. No other person, regardless of their good intentions, can speak words to you which have an eternal influence. His words are more than simple counsel. They are deeper than mere philosophy. They are more powerful than military or political rhetoric. They are more meaningful than romantic poetry. They are sweeter than honey; gentler than a mother's caress; loftier than the angels song, and more awesome than the very creation itself.
  2. His words are eternal life. He is LORD.
  3. His words provide an entrance into the place where He dwells.
  4. His words free the soul of man from hell's fury. We no longer quake in fear at the threatenings and boastings of the devil.

 

C. His name has more authority than all the names of all the kings, emperors, and presidents who have ever lived or ever shall live.

  1. The writer of the Acts of the Apostles declares in Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved."
  2. To speak the name of Jesus in worship and praise is to speak the greatest and most powerful name ever known to man. He breaks the yoke of despair; He lifts the heavy burden; He fills the soul with gladness; He baptizes with the Holy Spirit giving power and authority to His people.
  3. As an obedient subject of His, you can invoke His mighty name and put to flight legions of demons. In fact, even the devil himself is no match for any child of God who submits to the Lordship of Jesus. James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

D. He yet reigns on heaven's throne as Lord and Savior.

  1. The writer of Hebrews pronounces in 7:25, "Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."
  2. This LORD did not ascend into the heavens to escape rebellious and devilish people. He did not run away and leave us to perish. He did not simply forsake us and return to the glories of His eternal kingdom. He ascended in triumph over sin, the flesh and the devil. He paid the penalty for sin with His own blood and ascended to the throne of God to oversee His finished work of salvation.
  3. Even now, as I speak to you, He is ministering to the needs of every Christian upon the face of the earth. This He will continue to do until that great and notable day when He returns to receive His people unto Himself in glory and great victory.

E. He is your intercessor today. Tell Him what you need. Hear His voice speak to your heart.