Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46

 

“No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord,'” wrote the Apostle Paul, “except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). Thousands of men and women today do recognize Jesus as their Savior, but they are still struggling to run their own lives and have never discovered the Lordship of Christ. “We are not our own bosses to live or die as we ourselves might choose” wrote Paul to the Romans. Many sincere, well-intentioned believers are really afraid to turn loose, not certain that God can handle their lives. They remind me of the legend involving the Greek philosopher, Diogenes.

 

One day a follower of Diogenes came to him and said, “I want to be your disciple!” “Fine,” replied Diogenes. “Here are two fish, carry them around in your pocket for three weeks and then come back.” Whew! Can you imagine the dead fish in your pocket for three weeks? After a few days all the cats in the city were following him, and after a week he undoubtedly found himself sleeping in the alley having been thrown there by his wife and family.

 

After two weeks, says the legend, he could take it no longer. Finding Diogenes, he threw the fish at his feet; “I cannot stand it a day further,” he said. “What tremendous dedication you had,” responded Diogenes, “and all lost over two smelly fish!”

 

A lot of folks are just like that when they are honest enough to admit it. They think that to make Jesus Lord, as well as Savior, might cause them to run the risk of not being very successful, or not having much fun or not being very popular. They know the language, they sing the songs, but they are still in control of their lives. The disciples had those thoughts in their minds and Jesus rebuked them saying, “Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). I have no doubt He would say the same to many today.

 

Many who will take life from Him will not accept law from Him though both are presented with equal force in Scripture. Obedience to the will of Christ is totally voluntary! His army is one of enlisted men and women; none are drafted into it. He willingly invites His followers to submit to His authority and direction. The Lordship of Christ means that we knowingly and willingly bring ourselves under His control. He wants to be Lord of your entire life–your body, your emotions, your intellect, your material possessions. He wants to be Lord of your business, your home, your social life, even your thoughts and passions. He is particular, too, not wanting to share your existence with anyone.

 

Have you heard the old tale of Sir John Ramsden who lived in an English village called Huddersfield, and wished to buy an entire town for his business. One by one he and his agents succeeded in buying all the houses in this quaint village except one owned by a stubborn old Quaker, who refused to sell to the wealthy Lord. Disgusted the wealthy man came to visit the old man.

 

“I suppose you know who I am and why I am here,” he began.

 

“Oh, yes,” replied the Quaker.

 

“What price do you put on your house?”

 

“I will not sell it at any price!”

 

“If you will sell, I will cover it with sovereigns,” said Sir John, thinking that the tempting offer would be irresistible.

 

With a wink he replied, “Put them on sideways, and we might do business.”

 

Disgusted the rich man turned to leave, and as he went out the gate the proud old Quaker shouted, “Sir John, remember that Huddersfield belongs to thee and me!”

 

Resource reading: Luke 9:18-36