But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
—Romans 10:8-13

~~~~~

Jesus IS Lord
Jennifer Kane

I declare it with my mouth:
Jesus is Lord.
From the depths of my heart, I believe—
Jesus is Lord.
Not mere words or hollow claim,
This Truth, unshaken, remains the same.
Jesus is Lord.

The Word is near, on my lips, in my heart,
A living confession, a faith set apart.
Jesus is Lord.
Righteousness through belief, salvation through grace,
Calling on His name, I find my place.

These words hold the power to save,
For everyone who calls,
Jesus is Lord.
No shame for those who trust in His name,
Jew or Gentile, all are the same.
The Lord of all, rich in mercy and love,
Bestowing His riches from heaven above.

He is my friend,
He calls me beloved,
The Prince of Peace,
The Great Physician,
Healing even the curse of sin.

The heart believes, the mouth confesses,
And in His name, every fear He suppresses.
The promise is clear, the hope secure,
Jesus is Lord, forevermore.

Let us not forget the words that save—
With every breath, I will proclaim:
Jesus IS Lord.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Romans 10:9-13

The declaration “Jesus is Lord” is the profound affirmation central to our faith as Christians. The use of the present tense “is” emphasizes the ongoing and unchanging reality of Christ’s lordship. This statement is not merely historical or futuristic; it asserts that Jesus reigns as Lord here and now.

In the context of Romans 10:9-13, the Apostle Paul underscores the simplicity and accessibility of salvation. It is not attained through arduous works or strict adherence to the law but through a heartfelt belief and a willing confession. By believing in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we acknowledge the power of His resurrection and the life it imparts to us. Confessing with our mouths that “Jesus is Lord” signifies our acceptance of His authority and our commitment to live under His lordship.

This confession carries profound implications. To declare Jesus as Lord is to recognize Him as sovereign over all aspects of our lives. It means yielding our wills, desires, and actions to His guidance. Such a declaration was especially significant in the early church, where proclaiming Jesus as Lord often came at great personal cost, standing in opposition to other authorities and societal norms. It was a bold affirmation of allegiance to Christ above all else.

Moreover, the passage emphasizes the universality of this offer of salvation. Paul writes, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Romans 10:12). This inclusivity reminds us that the lordship of Jesus transcends all human divisions, extending grace and mercy to everyone who calls on His name.

Consider areas of your life where you may struggle to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Are there aspects you withhold from His authority? Reflect on the significance of the present tense “is” in your daily walk with Christ.

Reaffirm your belief in the resurrection of Jesus and openly confess His lordship. Let this confession shape your decisions, actions, and interactions with others.

Embrace the inclusive nature of the gospel. Share the message of Jesus’ lordship with others, recognizing that salvation is available to all who call on His name.

As we meditate on the present reality of Jesus’ lordship, let us be encouraged to live in the fullness of His grace, allowing His authority to guide and transform every aspect of our lives

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, we acknowledge You as our ever-present Lord. We believe in our hearts that God raised You from the dead, and we confess with our mouths that You are Lord. Help us to live out this truth daily, submitting every part of our lives to Your sovereign will. Empower us to share Your message of salvation with others, embracing the inclusivity of Your love. Amen.

January 10 2025