May 6, 2004

THE LORD OF ALL

"This is the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36, NIV).

In the days of the early Christian church, the title, Kurios, meaning "Lord," was widely used as a title of allegiance to the Roman emperor. Herod the Great, Herod Agrippa I, and Herod Agrippa II, all insisted on being called Kurios. Christians got in deep trouble for refusing to use this title for anyone except Jesus Christ. Many were martyred for insisting that only Jesus Christ is "Lord."

Early Christians soon amplified the title to say that Jesus Christ is "Lord of all." The bold affirmation, "Jesus Christ is Lord of all," soon became the passionate confession of Christians everywhere. In his memorable discourse before Cornelius, Peter declared, "God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right... through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all: (Acts 10:34-36, NIV).

The apostle Paul employed an appeal to Christ's lordship in order to take bold aim at the human propensity to divide people into opposing camps. He reminds believers that "there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich enough for the need of all who invoke him" (Romans 10:12, NEB).

All God's family on earth is united under the divine umbrella of His lordship. The free offer of salvation is made fully available to all races, classes, and nationalities. This common confession implies a willingness to follow Jesus and a readiness to be obedient to His demands (see John 14:21). Saint Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo, wisely observed: "Jesus Christ will be Lord of all or He will not be Lord of all." There is no halfway measure in the lordship of Jesus Christ.

My Prayer Today: Lord, to You alone, I owe homage, because You are Lord of all. Amen.