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He is “LORD”
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11)
In the Gospels, He is most often called “Jesus,” although both His title “Lord” and office “Christ” were emphasized at His birth (Luke 2:11). It was not until the book of Acts that the title “Lord” became more commonly used and began to take on the characteristics of a name. When Luke was writing the early history of the church, he chose the name “Lord” as his narrative name. Probably “Jesus” was too familiar to be used and, “Christ” at that time sounded too formal. Another advantage of this title is that it conveyed the idea of relationship. If Jesus is Lord, He is Lord of something or someone. Jesus is the Lord of your life whether you let Him operate in your life or not. He is by nature Lord. Ultimately a lord has dominion over one, and the Lord will be the Lord. If He is not recognized as Lord now, He will be someday when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11). We may choose to recognize Him as Lord today or be coerced into recognizing Him as Lord at His return.
The normal posture of prayer traditionally practiced by Christians is a symbolic recognition of the lordship of Jesus. As we pray, it is common for us to bow our heads. That is the usual way of approaching the monarch or supreme ruler of a region. That is the way in which we approach the King of kings and Lord of lords. When we bow, we are symbolically showing we owe our allegiance to Him.
The Greek word kurios is used many times in the New Testament with reference to: an owner (Luke 19:33), a ruler (Matthew 27:63), an emperor or king (Acts 25:26) and many more, as well as a translation of the name of God from the Old Testament: Jehovah (Matthew 4:7), Adonai, (Matthew 1:22), and Elohim, (1 Peter 1:25). There is no indication that Christians used this term for anyone but Jesus, suggesting it was used as a recognition of His deity. The translation of Hebrew titles Jehovah, Adonai, and Elohim by the Greek word kurios (Lord) emphasizes that these titles of God in the Old Testament are also to be included in the names of Jesus. The use of the word kurios in this way recognizes that several rights belong to Jesus. First, there is the right to respect His authority. Secondly, there is the right to be served. A third implied right is the right of disposal as a property owner. Finally, the right to rule and hold authority over others is also implied in the name “lord”.
As is true with each name of Jesus in Scripture, the name “Lord” has a special significance in the life of every Christian. It closely relates to what it means to be a Christian. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9)
Recognizing the “Lordship of Christ” is a work of the Holy Spirit in our life. “No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). All Christians at some point in their walk with God need to put Jesus Christ on the throne of their life as Lord. This is absolute surrender which leads to a wonderful life of abundant joy and peace. It is our prayer that you make that choice today.
Choose to make Jesus the Lord of every part your life
These excerpts are taken from the book: “The Names Of Jesus” written and read by Dr. Elmer Towns. This wonderful study will lead you into a deeper understanding and knowledge of Jesus. Click here to see more information about the book.
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