Luke 6:46 (NIV): “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
Many people refer to Jesus as “the Lord,” but many of those same people do not obey Jesus’ commandments, which is the polar opposite of the way someone is supposed to behave with their “Lord.” “Lord” is one of the name for God – a translation of His Hebrew name that is often written “Yahweh.” It also indicates someone with great authority, to whom respect and obedience is due. In either case, to use the word “Lord” of someone and then disobey them is illogical!
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus noted, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 NIV) His response to those who don’t obey Him, but who use the word “Lord” as an “open sesame” to try to get into the kingdom: “I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:23 NIV)
But those who not only call Jesus “Lord,” but who actually put His words into practice, Jesus likens to the man who builds his house on the solid rock – he will stand firm, no matter what storms blow through his life. And, when this life is over, Jesus will give him a grand welcome into the presence of his true Lord!
Father, Jesus is Lord! Help me to live those words out continually, every moment of every day, all the days of my life. Amen!