The Name: LORD
Christmas is a time when the names of Jesus, often sung but seldom deeply understood, beckon us to explore their meanings. This season, we delve into these names, starting with a fundamental yet profound title: Lord. In Luke chapter 2, we find Joseph and Mary, carrying the promise of God in the form of the unborn Christ, journeying to Bethlehem. Their story unfolds in the humblest of settings — the birth of Jesus among livestock, in a place scarcely fit for a king, let alone the King of Kings. This juxtaposition of humility and divinity sets the stage for the greatest announcement in history: the birth of our Savior, which was first revealed to shepherds, the simplest of men.
The angel's proclamation in Luke 2:10 resonates with a joyous declaration: "Do not be afraid...for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." This message, filled with hope, declares Jesus as not just a lord, but the Lord — a term embodying absolute authority and power. In Greek, 'Kyrios' signifies one who commands respect by virtue of their power and position. This is not just a title of respect; it is a recognition of Jesus' ultimate authority over all creation.
However, embracing Jesus as the Lord goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it demands a surrender to His supremacy. If Jesus is our Savior, He must also be our Lord. This relationship is not a mere formality; it is a transformational journey where Jesus, as Lord, becomes the master of our lives, and we, in turn, become His willing servants. Andrew Murray, a renowned theologian, explains this beautifully, emphasizing that confessing Christ as Lord means surrendering to His absolute control over all aspects of our lives and creation.
To truly grasp the magnificence of Jesus' lordship, we turn to Colossians chapter 1, a passage written by the Apostle Paul. Here, Paul confronts the Pharisees of his time, not by directly addressing their errors, but by uplifting the truth about Christ. He challenges us to focus not on false teachings but on the supremacy of Jesus. This approach is not just relevant for the Colossians; it is a timeless principle that guides us in discerning truth amidst a world rife with spiritual confusion.
1. Jesus Is Lord Because He Is God
Jesus is Lord because He is, unequivocally, God. This profound truth is summed up in Colossians 1:15, where Paul declares Jesus as "the image of the invisible God." This statement is not a mere metaphor; it is a declaration of the visible manifestation of God in Christ. God, in His essence, is beyond human sight and understanding. Yet, in Christ, the invisible becomes visible, the unknowable becomes known. This concept is not new; it is a thread that runs throughout the tapestry of Scripture. Recall Moses in the Old Testament, yearning for a glimpse of God’s glory. God, in His mercy, allows Moses to perceive His presence in a fleeting, limited manner. But in Christ, this limitation is transcended. John 1:18 reinforces this, stating, "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him." Jesus, therefore, is not just a reflection or a mere resemblance of God. He is God made manifest.
The term "image," as used in this context, is derived from the Greek word "eikōn," from which we get the term "icon." In ancient times, an icon was not just a representation; it was an exact likeness, a tangible embodiment of the person it depicted. Thus, when Paul speaks of Jesus as the "image of the invisible God," he is affirming that Jesus is the exact, tangible representation of God Himself. This truth is echoed throughout the New Testament. In John 10:30, Jesus Himself affirms, "I and the Father are one." And again, in John 14:9, He declares, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." The writer of Hebrews further explains this truth, describing Jesus as "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being" (Hebrews 1:3). The term used here, meaning "exact representation," is akin to an imprint — a perfect, indistinguishable copy of the original.
At Christmas, we celebrate this incredible truth: Jesus, born into the world, is God's imprint among us, making the divine visible and accessible. This reality has profound implications. If Jesus is not God, then our Christmas celebration is void of its most significant element. But since He is God, it means everything — our salvation hinges on it, and our daily hope is anchored in it. Jesus, as God, is not just a figure of reverence; He is the cornerstone of our faith and the source of our eternal hope.
2. Jesus Is Lord, Because He Is Over All Creation
Jesus is not only Lord by virtue of His divinity but also because He reigns supreme over all creation. This is beautifully articulated in Colossians 1:15-17, where Paul speaks of Jesus as the "firstborn over all creation." This title might initially confuse, as it seems to suggest a chronological order. However, Paul's intention is not to imply that Jesus was the first to be created but rather that He is preeminent over all that has been created. The term "firstborn" here is symbolic of supremacy and authority. In ancient cultures, the firstborn, especially the firstborn male, held a position of prominence, often responsible for overseeing the family’s assets. Jesus, as the firstborn over creation, signifies His authority over everything that belongs to God — and what is that? Everything.
But Paul delves deeper, stating in verse 16 that "by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through Him and for Him." This profound declaration establishes Jesus not merely as a participant in creation but as the divine agent through whom all creation came into being. Every aspect of creation, from the grandest galaxy to the smallest creature, owes its existence to the creative power of Jesus.
This truth extends beyond physical creation to encompass all forms of authority and power. Every ruler, every leader, every governing entity exists because of and for Jesus. This might be challenging to grasp, especially when considering authorities that seem unjust or evil. Yet, Scripture reminds us that God can use all things, even those that seem inherently negative, for His greater purpose.
In verse 17, Paul makes a statement that crowns this truth of Christ's supremacy: "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Not only does Jesus precede all of creation and is the agent of its existence, but He is also the sustaining force that upholds all of creation. This sustaining power of Christ assures us that He can hold us together through the trials and tribulations of life. This truth should reshape our understanding of authority and control. When we face trials, when we grapple with difficult leaders or challenging circumstances, we can find solace in the fact that Jesus, the Lord over all, is still in control. Like Daniel in Babylon, we can respect earthly authorities without wavering in our faith, understanding that Jesus' sovereignty transcends human authority.
This truth speaks to the very fabric of our existence. A gravestone marks the beginning and end of a life, with a dash in between representing the life lived, however, Jesus is Lord over all these phases. We often struggle with the 'dash' — the everyday living where we try to assert control. Yet, Jesus holds lordship even over this. He is not just the God of our birth and death; He is the God of our living. Let this truth bring comfort and strength, knowing that the One who created us is more than capable of sustaining us through all life's trials and triumphs.
3. Jesus Is Lord Because He Is #1
Jesus is Lord not only because He is God and sovereign over creation, but also because He is preeminent in all things. This is emphatically stated in Colossians 1:18, where Paul declares Jesus as the head of the church and "the firstborn from the dead." This passage unequivocally affirms that Jesus is supreme, holding the first place in everything. The phrase "firstborn from the dead" reinforces Jesus' supremacy, not just in life, but also in triumphing over death. He is not merely the first to be resurrected; He is the supreme authority over both life and death. This emphasizes Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Paul uses the metaphor of the body to illustrate Jesus' role as the head of the church. In this analogy, the church is likened to a body, with Christ as its head, guiding and directing its movements and actions. This imagery vividly conveys the idea that the church must be wholly aligned with and obedient to Christ, its leader. It is a reminder that our direction, our purpose, and our very life are dependent on following Jesus, who is the source and guide of all we do.
Paul's message applies to every aspect of our lives. He uses the analogy of a wheel to illustrate how Christ should be the hub of our lives, with all aspects — family, career, hobbies, and more — being the spokes that extend from Him. When Christ is at the center, every part of our life is balanced and in harmony, moving toward the ultimate goal of glorifying Him. As we celebrate Christmas, it is crucial to reflect on whether Jesus holds this central, preeminent position in our lives. Is He the Lord of our daily decisions, our relationships, our ambitions? Does He reign supreme in how we celebrate Christmas, in our family traditions, in our expressions of faith?
As we embrace the Christmas season, let us take to heart these profound truths: Jesus is Lord because He is God, because He is sovereign over all creation, and because He is preeminent in everything. Let us celebrate His birth, His life, His resurrection, and His continual reign over our lives. May our celebration of Christmas be a reflection of His lordship, as we allow Him to be the center of not just this season but every aspect of our existence. Let us journey through this season with hearts open to His leading, recognizing His supremacy, and surrendering to His lordship.