Since we are celebrating Veteran's Day today with recognition of all who have served in the military, I thought it would be appropriate to speak to this topic from the Scripture. I would like to talk about the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Webster defines 'lordship' as authority or power of a lord. Jesus taught this principle to his disciples by using their own life experiences. The settings for His teaching were on board a ship. Now that is an area in which I, and a few others here, have some experience. So this morning I would like for us to consider some facts concerning lordship and more specifically consider the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our own lives.
I. Every Ship Must Have A Captain Or Master.
A. There can be only one captain.
B. For a ship to have two captains would mean absolute chaos on board.
C. The same is true for our lives:
1. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters.." Mt. 6:24a
2. We can only serve one master, but the choice of service is ours.
3. We can choose to continue to serve sin, Satan, and self; or we can choose to serve Jesus Christ with our lives.
4. It will be our choice though, because Jesus will never force us into serving Him.
5. He simply invites us to make Him our choice. 6. Some of our veterans here may have been drafted, but most were volunteers.
7. The Lord's army has no draftees…only those who willing choose to serve Him.
II. The Captain Or Master Is The Single Officer In Charge Of The Ship.
A. That includes everyone on board and every area of the ship.
1. When I served on board the USS Point Defiance, the captain was Commander McHugh.
2. He was in charge of the engineering department, the radar room, as well as the mess hall!
3. He certainly had a staff of junior officers, but ultimately the responsibility of the entire ship was his…because he was the captain.
B. Jesus issues a direct order. v22
1. He said for them to get into a ship and cross over to the other side.
2. They obeyed, but immediately they found themselves in the midst of a storm.
3. Some would have us believe that to obey the Lord means our lives will be free from conflict and difficulty.
4. Nothing could be further from the truth!
C. In the midst of a storm, Jesus came unto them walking on the water.
1. Why? Because He was in charge!
2. He wasn't showing off…rather He was making an important point.
3. Jesus reveals to his disciple that not only is He the Lord of their lives, but He is also the Lord of all creation.
4. Now if He is powerful enough to control the ocean and the wind, He certainly?can take care of my life!
D. But Peter isn't convinced.
1. Many people speak of Peter's great faith in getting out of the boat, but it wasn't his faith that prompted him to take that first step ??? it was doubt!
2. He said, "Lord, if it be thou...
3. Peter had been commanded to get in the boat and cross to the other side, but he wanted to walk on the water.
4. Jesus allowed it, but Peter soon found out that it was more than he had bargained for and cried out, "Lord, save me"
5. Peter never would have gotten into such a dangerous situation if he had been where the Lord wanted him to be.
6. All too often, we find ourselves sinking because we choose to do what we want to do rather than what the Lord wishes us to do.
III. Everyone On Board The Ship Is Subject To The Captain Or Master's Commands At All Times.
Note: Luke 5:1?6
A. The failure of verse five was a result of the disciples trying to operate without the master on board.
B. Perhaps they felt they didn't need him on board this time.
1. After all they were fishermen.
2. They were not preaching or teaching now.
3. And yet they failed miserably at their task.
4. We do not live two lives ... one secular and one religious!
C. The Lord got on board and said, "Launch out into the deep..."
1. Peter replied with the account of their failure.
2. He was sure that they would catch nothing.
3. Because they had 'toiled all the night'
4. Here is a very crucial point with regard to lordship.
a. If He is to be Lord of our lives, we must strictly obey His commands.
b. Jesus said, "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Lu. 6:46)
c. Peter said, "... Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net."
d. The result was great success "…they inclosed a great multitude of fishes…"
IV. The Captain Is Responsible For The Safety Of The Vessel And The Well?Being Of Those On Board.
Note: Luke 8:22?25
A. Once again we find the disciples on board a ship under the command of Jesus Christ.
1. The command is given. "Let us go over unto the other side of the lake."
2. A vicious storm arises and the disciples are filled with fear.
3. They wake Jesus with these words: "Master, Master, we perish!"
4. When Jesus arose He had two rebukes??one for storm and one for the disciples ... "Where is your faith?"
B. The disciples exhibited a type of "fair?weather" faith.
1. When things were going well they could trust the Lord to take care of them, but when the storm came they questioned His Lordship.
2. They were no longer sure if He had things under control.
3. We often exhibit that same type of faith.
a. But we have never ridden on the Lord's ship and been in danger that He couldn't handle.
b. Never have we walked with Christ and been in a situation that He could not control.
c. We must realize that our problems, our difficulties, our failures can all be turned around if we stop trying to be the lord of our lives, and turn them over to Jesus.
C. The Lordship of Christ is dependent upon...
1. Our turning our life over to Him and making Him our Master.
2. Our allowing Him to be the one who is in total control.
3. Our obedience to His commands.
4. Our trusting Him to take care of us in all situations.
Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? Is He the Lord of your life? The choice is ours to make.