WHO IS THE ONE LORD?

Who is the one Lord Paul refers to in Ephesians 4?

In Greek the word for lord is “kurios” and it means master or supreme authority. Throughout the Roman empire, everyone was required to confess Caesar as lord. Christians would not pledge their allegiance in this way. They created a counter-slogan. Jesus is Lord.

In Hebrew the word for lord is “adon”. It became a substitute for the proper name “Yahweh”. When Christians called Jesus “Lord”, Jews considered it blasphemy and Romans considered it treason. Both groups persecuted and killed Christians for this claim.

If we are going to claim Jesus as Lord, we should count the cost. At minimum, this confession means four things for my life.

If Jesus is Lord, I am not.

We all give account to him. I don’t get to be your judge or boss you around. He calls the shots.
I will point people to Jesus but I will not try to control their life, force my will upon them, or be their judge.

If Jesus is Lord, you are not.

You don’t get to tell me what to do. Each person answers to their own master. We will all give account to him.
I will not fear you or please you, but I will love you as Jesus commanded.

If Jesus is Lord, Caesar is not.

The government has authority UNDER God. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the highest authority.
I will submit to the government up to the point where its commands go against those of Jesus.

If Jesus is Lord, Zeus is not.

Whatever gods we imagine hold no actual power. Jesus is the true God who rules over all.
I will submit all my ideas of what God is like to the image of God revealed by Jesus of Nazareth.

One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess the Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Every day until then, I will confess him with my mouth and with my life. Will you?