Jesus Is LORD

Jesus is Lord: An Invitation to Authentic Obedience and Worship

Gathering in God's presence each Sunday is a joy—to sing, pray, study His Word, and enjoy fellowship with other believers. I am grateful for the beautiful songs, the opportunity to hear God’s Word taught, and, most importantly, for the Lord's constant presence. Today, however, I want us to pause and sincerely examine ourselves, not just as individuals but as Christians.

Jesus asked His disciples a probing question: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV). This question echoes through the ages and challenges us today. It questions how easily we speak words of allegiance that may not always match our lives of obedience.

I. What Does It Mean to Call Jesus “Lord”?

The English word “Lord” has a rich history. Originating from Old English, it originally meant “keeper of the loaf”—the one who provides, protects, and rules over the household. In ancient times, the lord of a manor was responsible for caring for and exercising authority over his people, who in turn owed him honor and obedience.

When Jesus’ first followers called Him “Lord,” they understood the term as meaning “master” or “sovereign.” In Greek, the word kúrios conveys this idea. However, when the New Testament uses it for Jesus, it signifies more than just a respectful title; it affirms His divinity and supreme authority.

After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus asked, “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” (John 13:12–13, ESV). Jesus is not only our Teacher but also our Lord—the One who deserves our full allegiance, obedience, and worship.

Paul affirms this essential confession: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV). This confession is not a ritual or magical spell; it is a heartfelt acknowledgment of Christ’s authority over our lives. As Paul also teaches, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3, ESV).

Ultimately, Scripture declares that one day all of creation will recognize Christ’s Lordship: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10–11, ESV).

This raises a crucial question: If Jesus is our Lord, does our obedience align with our confession?

II. The Heart of Worship: Obedience and Dependence

Our church gatherings can feature beautiful music, sound teaching, and meaningful fellowship. However, it’s possible to have all the right elements for worship and still feel powerless, lacking true spiritual vitality. Why? Because genuine obedience comes from dependence — and dependence is shown through prayer.

Jesus instructed His followers: “They ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1, ESV), and, “Stay awake at all times, praying.” (Luke 21:36, ESV). The Apostle Paul emphasizes this message: “Be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12, ESV); “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2, ESV); “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV); and “praying at all times in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18, ESV).

Despite these clear commands, many of us—including myself—have let the busyness of life push aside seasons of extended, communal prayer. We may pray in small groups or alone, but we rarely come together as a whole congregation just to pray. This isn’t a new issue; God’s people have always been tempted to give Him what’s left, instead of their best.

The prophet Malachi brings a stern rebuke: “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? ... Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” (Malachi 1:6, 14, ESV)

These words force us to face ourselves: If Jesus is Master, where is His honor in our lives? Do we give Him our best—our devotion, our service, our obedience—or do we just go through the motions?

A Contemporary Example

Consider the well-known worship song, The Heart of Worship, by Matt Redman. It was not written during a spiritual high, but after a church realized its worship had become about experience rather than obedience. The band was set aside for a time. The congregation met in silence, with individuals each bringing a song, a prayer, a Scripture, or a sacrifice of praise. Reflecting on that season, Paul Martin wrote, "We had become connoisseurs of worship instead of participants of it. ... We had forgotten that we are ALL the performers of worship and that God is the audience." (Paul Martin, Soul Survivor-USA).

When worship focuses on our feelings or preferences, we lose sight of Jesus’ Lordship. Worship is for Him—not us. Our entire lives are for Him.

III. How Is Christ’s Lordship Revealed in Our Lives?

Jesus’ question—“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”—urges us to examine our own obedience. In Luke 6, Jesus describes practical obedience:

--Loving enemies,

--Doing good to those who hate us,

--Blessing those who curse us,

--Refusing to judge or condemn,

--Forgiving as God forgives.

He summarizes: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV).

Being a disciple means much more than professing faith; it involves a transformed life. James exhorts, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, ESV). It is possible to attend church, sing songs, and even give generously, yet still withhold true submission to Christ’s Lordship.

Bishop J.C. Ryle astutely observed,

"Open sin and avowed unbelief has no doubt destroyed its thousands. But profession without practice slays its tens of thousands."

Scriptural Example: Moses and the Rock

Consider Moses, the revered leader of Israel. When God instructed him to speak to the rock to provide water, Moses, in frustration, struck it instead (Numbers 20:2–11). The people received water, but Moses himself was barred from entering the Promised Land. Why? He had dishonored God through disobedience. This reminds us that even spiritual leaders can shift from God-centered service to self-centered action.

What About Us?

While we may not strike rocks, we can fall into similar patterns:

Treating worship as entertainment,

Prioritizing our comfort and desires,

Going through the motions without engaging our hearts.

Paul reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. … For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:8–10, ESV). Our works do not save us, but they serve as evidence of a changed heart. The true fruit of Christ’s Lordship is obedience—not perfection, but faithfulness.

IV. A Call to Authentic Obedience and Prayerful Dependence

Let's be honest: it is easy to worship out of habit. Yet Jesus’ question remains: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” This isn’t an invitation to guilt or shame but a call to genuine discipleship—an honest, living relationship with our Lord. If we truly confess Jesus as Lord, our lives will show it.

How Should We Respond?

Return to Prayer:

As a church, we should recognize our need and reliance on the Lord. Let us restore the practice of gathering together for corporate prayer, approaching with humility and anticipation.

Renew Our Obedience:

Let us examine our hearts. Is there any area where we call Him “Lord,” yet withhold obedience? The Scripture declares, “Now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2b, ESV) Let us confess, turn, and trust Him again.

Restore Worship to Its True Purpose:

Worship isn’t about us—it’s all about Jesus. Let’s offer Him our hearts, not just our words and songs.

Conclusion

Church, the question of Jesus still echoes: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV). He does not ask to condemn us but to invite us into a vibrant, joyful, obedient relationship with Himself. It is not too late to respond, for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, ESV). Let us move beyond routine and mere words. Let us yield our hearts, our choices, our worship—indeed, our very lives—to Jesus, our Lord.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

We admit that too often we have called You Lord with our lips but not truly with our lives. Forgive us for our independence, routines, and pride. Renew in us a heart of worship—a heart that takes joy in doing Your will. Teach us how to pray, seek You, and obey You. Make Your reign visible in this church, in our homes, and through our witness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

References

Paul Martin’s account of Matt Redman’s "The Heart of Worship" incident: [Soul Survivor USA, Worship Leader Magazine]

Haykin, M. (2019). "the Lord, The Life-giver": Confessing The Holy Spirit In The Fourth Century. Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 62(1), 65-80.

All Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV), unless stated otherwise.