Jesus our Lord

“…Jesus our Lord”
(Romans 4:24, emphasis added)

We ought to find much sweetness in the word “our.” Why? At least seven reasons:

1. It reminds us of our personal interest in the Lord.

Each and every believer uses this title in the singular, and from his heart calls Christ, “My Lord.”

David wrote, “The Lord said unto my Lord.” (Psalm 110:1)
Elizabeth spoke of “the mother of my Lord.” (Luke 1:43)
Magdalene said, “They have taken away my Lord.” (John 20:13)
Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
Paul wrote of “knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)

2. It brings a host of Christian brothers and sisters before our minds, for it is in union with them that we say, “our Lord.” And so it makes us remember each other (Ephesians 3:14-15).

3. It fosters unity and creates a holy clanship, or fellowship, as we all rally around our “one Lord.” Saints of all ages and races are one in this.

4. His example as Lord fosters practical love. Remember the foot-washing and His words on that occasion? “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

5. Our zeal to make Him Lord forbids all self-exaltation. “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers…Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8,10-12)

6. His position as our Lord reminds us of the Church’s confidence in doing His work on earth.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
“the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message” (Mark 16:20)

7. Our common joy in Jesus as our Lord becomes an evidence of grace, and thus of union with each other.

“Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)

[adapted from Spurgeon’s Sermon Notes, Part IV, additional notes added]
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