There are several words in the English language that make us feel a little uncomfortable. While some make us shift in our seats or send chills down our spine others make us “run for the hills”. I did a Google search for “words that make us feel uncomfortable”. Little did I know, the list was very consistent among various sources. High on the count of awkward and squeamish words were, “moist, ointment, creamy, squid, squirt, phlegm and smear”.
If you are still reading, thank you for continuing to follow this unusual train of thought. In our minds we tend to associate words with different experiences we have in our lives. Often, the meaning or context of a particular word is defined by our personal experience and at time even redefined (hi-jacked) by cultural influence.
What comes to mind when you hear the word/name Lord?
Defined as “someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler” there are several different contexts in which the word lord is used. Not counting words like, a, and, or the, “Lord” is the most used word in the Bible. It is found between 7000-8000 times, depending on the translation. This English translation of the Hebrew names “Adonai”, “Yahweh” and “Jehovah” along with the Greek “Kyrios” speak to the whole character of who God is.
As followers of Jesus, we make a commitment to live our lives in accordance to the power and authority of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. I have had numerous conversations with people that were exploring Christianity and while understanding the need to be saved from their sins, they were reluctant to commit themselves to having Jesus be the Lord in their life. Having Jesus as Lord in their lives made them feel uncomfortable. It can be difficult to let go of what we have built up on own.
In today’s world of individualism and widespread “all about me” attitude, standing accountable to a higher authority seems counter to what our current culture so desperately calls of us. It is in this moment that we need to grab ahold of what Jesus has to offer us. It’s a matter of stepping out in faith and trusting that the Lord will lead and guide our lives.
A good friend of mine spent most of his youth thinking that the Lord was an angry, vengeful watchdog just waiting to smite him when he said or did the wrong thing. His understanding of who God is as his Lord was skewed. It was not until he understood (little by little) the wholeness of God’s character that he experienced his incredible love and grace in his life.
So much can be said about having Jesus as our Lord. Micah 6:8 sums up beautifully what this looks like for each one of us in a practical way; “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
As our Lord, Jesus seeks to have a personal loving relationship with us, so we can know him better. He watches over us, not as a “watchdog” but as a caring, compassionate, loving Lord who cares for us deeply. Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Have you experienced his love and mercy in your life? Pray for the desire to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord your God.
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