Set apart Christ as Lord

Today is Easter - the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We learn from Rom. 14:9b that: "Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living." And in 1 Peter 3:15 we read, "¹⁵But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord."

He died and rose that He would have the right and authority to be our loving master and Lord. He is the only one who knows us inside out and is thereby able to direct us into paths that are best for us now and for eternity. Those who set Him apart as Lord, doing so from the heart, will find themselves to be the most fulfilled, satisfied and joyful people on the face of the earth. After all, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psm 37:4 And when they die, "[they] will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2Peter 1:11.

We all have a master. The only question is which one we will choose to obey. For if Jesus is not the master, then there is another master ruling over our life. And any other master will always end up hurting us and others in many ways. Some people choose selfishness as their master. To do what one wants seems like a good choice if we want to maximize our own pleasures. But that's not the case. It brings guilt, heartache, trouble and disappointment. Selfish people are the most miserable people around. For others, their emotions rule them. So they tend to do what they feel like doing. Whether it's the pursuit of pleasure because it feels good; or the emotions of anger, rage, bitterness, malice and revenge. These are masters who destroy us from the inside out, leaving nothing but a smoldering mass of bitterness, resentment, depression and deep seated unhappiness.

So if you find yourself stressed, your heart is down, and life is less than satisfying, why not give Jesus a chance to be your Lord. Why not decide today that you will have no other master but Him. Now is the time to set apart Christ as Lord. And the next time you feel tempted to do what you ought not to do, remember that you have set apart Christ as Lord. So don't submit to your feelings and desires, for you have no need or obligation to follow any other except Him. After all, Jesus loves you more than you love yourself. He is more interested in your wellbeing than you are. He cares deeply about you. So much so, that He died for you and rose from the dead so He could be your lord. Only then can He lead you down paths that are not necessarily easy, but paths that maximize your usefulness, your joy in the Lord, and your satisfaction with life. And in the end you will receive a rich welcome into His eternal kingdom. What could be better than that?