Recognizing a “higher power” is one thing, but recognizing Jesus as Lord, King of the universe, is quite another.

⁶ yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

After reading chapter two of, “A Grand Illusion,” by David Young about what radical progressives believe–or don’t believe, I wrote down four questions:

1. Why do we need to recognize Jesus as Lord?
2. Why do we need a Savior?
3. How can the Bible be “living and breathing?”
4. What is holiness?

At first glance, I thought I had questions one and two reversed, but they are actually two different topics. One has to do with the identity of Jesus while the other is about His mission to earth. Let’s take them in order (this may take a few days).

Why do we need to recognize Jesus as Lord?

Mankind was created by God to have fellowship with the Trinity, “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). “Lord” is translated from, “Yahweh,” and “God” is translated from, “Elohim,” which is plural. The Trinity is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Three in One, and was in the Garden that fateful day to fellowship with Adam and Eve. Jesus is God the Son. He left His throne in heaven to come to earth and pave the way for us to return to the Father. How did He do that? By instilling in us God the Holy Spirit. But, we will get to all that when we look at question two.

Jesus demonstrated His deity through His miracles and healings. He told the leadership of His day that if they didn’t believe His message, then at least believe His works,

³⁶ “…what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? ³⁷ Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. ³⁸ But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” John 10:36-38

Jesus proved His deity by rising from the dead, something that He predicted and then achieved,

¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:17-18

⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6
¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The last reason for recognizing Jesus as Lord is because of His appearance to John on the Isle of Patmos,

⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”–God Revelation 1:8

Jesus identifies Himself as the same Person, ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13

Recognizing Jesus as Lord is only proper for us; He is the Creator and we are the created. It is only natural for us to worship Him. The reason people don’t is because of the sickness of their souls and the veil that blinds their eyes–but, I get ahead of myself. We will discuss that topic tomorrow. Today, exalt the Lord Jesus in your life through praise and worship and obedience.

Abba, I rise to my own challenge and worship You as my Lord and my God. I praise You as God the Son, King of the Universe. I look forward to tomorrow’s discussion about needing You as Savior. You truly are wonderful. I love You. Amen.