Understanding Jesus as Lord

Scripture: But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46

Observation: More than once Jesus pronounces a similar question, asking others why they call him 'Lord' while questioning his teaching or disobeying his instruction. This is a question straight from God, asking who it is even logical to declare someone as your Lord, and then to disobey them. By the very definition, someone you yourself declares to be your sovereign master has the authority to give orders you must obey.

This is both a serious and a rhetorical question when Jesus asks. Rhetorically, he never allows anyone to answer because he knows the truth ... that people are deceptive and weak in their hard hearts. We honor those from which we want praise with politeness and titles, but we wish to serve only our own desires and will therefore ignore what these same people say if it does not fit our purposes. The word for this is 'selfish'. However, the serious part of the question occurs after this first issue is exposed. If we are selfish, then we have placed ourselves above our Lord ... we have placed our own ways and thoughts above God's ways and thoughts. This is the violation of the first and greatest command. We are to have only one God, and it is not ourselves.

Application: I am reminded today of the three minute speech of a high school girl whose name I do not know. She spoke of Jesus as her "Lord and savior". While every other youth spoke of their love for the "savior" aspect of Jesus, she convicted all of ignoring the title "Lord" and that, by agreeing to these joint title of Jesus - Lord and savior - we were not just being baptized into God's love and mercy ... we were also swearing obedience to his commands.

I am selfish, just like everyone else. I do like to pick and choose the commands and precepts and instructions I will obey every day. More and more, and need to acknowledge that Jesus is not just my savior, but he is first my Lord.

Prayer: Lord, today I will strive to obey you better. May your word be before me, and my I find in my heard the obedience to stay on the path. Your path. Amen.