Proclaiming Jesus as Lord

Many believers across the world continue to remember and celebrate the triumph of Calvary’s cross, Jesus’ resurrection, and ascension. This month, we anticipate and celebrate Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. As we reflect on these sacred historical events, we embrace and profess Jesus as Lord over our lives. The Hebrew word for Lord is Adonai. Today’s church community is familiar with both words, but what does acknowledging Jesus as Lord really imply for Christ followers?

Singing or saying 'Jesus is Lord' is much more than a familiar refrain or profession — it is deeper than a community declaration. Scripturally, professing lordship is the assertion of obedient disciples. Discipleship is an unapologetic, non-negotiable invitation to intimacy and deep relationship — an exclusive call to unwavering obedience. In the gospels, Jesus defines the selfless essentials for being his disciple. In today’s narcissistic, self-made kingdom of comfort and affluence, Jesus’ expectations may seem radical or even unreasonable. However, these discipleship essentials are the believer’s rite-of-passage and the mantle of every committed, bought-with-a-price, Christ follower.

As believers living in a world that conflicts and contradicts God’s values, we must resolve to counter worldly principles and powers by cultivating our relationship with God. Never be content with a superficial, stagnant, faith walk. Commit daily to being an obedient Christ follower. Deep relational intimacy is impossible unless we relinquish self and become more like the first-century Rabbi who ransomed his life to redeem our lives. When we embrace our discipleship mantle of obedience and faithfully follow his counsel and direction, then we can proclaim with conviction and legitimacy Jesus as Lord — sovereign over our whole lives.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to ransom his life to redeem mine. May your Holy Spirit empower me — helping me to surrender to your sovereignty, daily die to self and to faithfully and obediently follow your counsel and direction in every aspect of my life.

Throughout This Day: In prayer ask God to guide your words and actions today as you seek to follow Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the day, if there’s an area where you willfully chose your own way, confess it, trusting him to forgive and cleanse you. Thank him for each area of victory!