Ephesians 4:5 — “One Lord”

The “one Lord” is the Christ. He is called “the Lord Jesus” (Acts 4:33), “the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1), and “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

The word “Lord” (Greek: “ /kurios”) means ruler, master, or possessor. God the Father made Jesus “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). It is the Father’s will that every knee bow at the name of Jesus and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:11). As Lord, Jesus possesses all authority (Matthew 28:18), serves as Head of the church, and has preeminence in all things (Colossians 1:18).

Because Jesus is our Lord, Christians belong to Him. He has ownership — we are His! With His blood, He redeemed/purchased us. Yes, we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 7:23).

Because Jesus is our Lord, we are His servants. A Roman centurion made this statement about his authority: “And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,’ and he does it” (Luke 7:8). Here is the principle: servants do what their masters tell them. As Jesus’ servants, our heart always wants to know, “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10).

Because Jesus is our Lord, we are devoted to Him. Our devotion is to Him above all others, including family and friends (Matthew 10:37). For Him, we forsake all (Luke 14:33). Like Paul, we are willing not only to be mistreated, but to “to die . . . for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). For our Lord, we are ready to lay aside our own thoughts and desires in order to submit to His will (Luke 5:5).

Because Jesus is our Lord, we have a commitment to keep. With our mouth, we confessed Him as Lord (Romans 10:9). Now, we must stick with our commitment and confess Him with our lives. When the storms of life are raging, stay committed. When folks disappoint us, stay committed. When people act like lunatics, stay committed.

Because Jesus is our Lord, we proclaim His Lordship to the world. To the Jews, Peter preached Jesus as Lord (Acts 2:36). The same apostle preached Jesus as “Lord of all” to Gentiles, too (Acts 10:36). The world needs to hear us declaring that Jesus is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).

Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). That sounds personal, does it not? If Jesus truly is the Ruler of our lives, what is expected? Hear Him: “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

— Roger D. Campbell