Who is Lord?

By Ronald Bartanen “Therefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).     Our world seems to be having a problem deciding who is Lord—who has authority over all.  Who infallibly defines what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil? Atheism, in excluding any divine deity, leaves it open to the subjective judgment of man himself, whether that of an individual or that of an elite group representing a particular culture.  Some seem to believe the U.S. Supreme Court has such a privilege.  We have evolved (or, more accurately, devolved) into denying millions of unborn children the right to life, and, by court-authority, redefining marriage to include same-sex couples.  Others look to religious leaders, accepting what is decreed by ecclesiastical authorities as acceptable, with little question as to its legitimacy.  Still others look to none other than themselves.  To such, if it feels good, or if it seems good, it; must be good; and if it deprives them of pleasure, or if it seems bad, it must be bad.  Whichever of the positions is considered, it puts man himself in the position of lordship.     A true Christian will agree with Paul, who, in Philippians 2:11, declared that “Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”  Jesus gave His apostles the Holy Spirit to guide into “all truth” (John 16:13).  Their words, written in Scripture, are by the authority of Christ, who is Lord.  Courts, popes, church councils and others may seek to deviate from His authority, replacing it with their own opinions, based on their own hearts, but in the end it will be that “Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”  God’[s woes will be pronounced upon a people who “call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20).       Jesus asks, “Why call ye; me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).  Who is your Lord?

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com