The Apostles' Creed - Pt. 11

 

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:10-13 ESV).

 

When I was in seminary, one of the most difficult courses was “Preaching 101.” It was demanding and completely new to me. Even though I had done many things in high school and college that honed my skills in public speaking, this was different. Debate, speech, and theater did not really teach the effect of the perfectly placed pause. It wasn’t until I reached seminary that I learned that technique. It developed into a series of phrases that some of my protégés also developed through my mentoring. When a truth was particularly vital for the audience I would simply say: “Stop… listen… don’t miss this.” And, then I’d wait in the silence for a moment. That allowed the weight of the words to settle in. In a sense, that’s what happens after we say, with the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.”

 

The word for “lord” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word kyrios. In the Mediterranean world, someone with power and authority over others was called a “lord” or “master.” In the New Testament, Jesus is addressed or referred to as “Lord” more than 700 times.

 

Jesus is addressed as “Lord” in two ways. First, he is called “Lord” in the same way as he is often called “Rabbi” or “Teacher” when someone asks him a question or requests healing. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, however, calling him “Lord” takes on much greater meaning. It signifies that Jesus is God himself. It signifies that God the Father has given Jesus all authority over heaven and earth. And, ultimately, it looks ahead to the day when “every tongue [will] acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).

 

We rightly pause when we call Jesus “our Lord.” We confess both his true identity and our just response. Then in awe and gratitude we marvel at the grace that secures our relationship in Him. So… stop, listen… don’t miss this… Jesus is Lord!