Lord of All?
A Royal Marine soldier was returning home on a commercial flight. He had served for 18 months in the ‘Desert Storm’ war. Talking to a lady sitting next to him he explained:
“I’m on my way home. My family will be at the airport."
The lady then commented that he must have thought about returning to his family and home many times while he was in the Middle East.
“Oh, no, Ma’am, We were taught never to think of what might never be, but to be fully available right where we were.”
A.W. Tozer has said about Christians that they are people who are crucified with Christ and therefore have have three distinct marks:
they are facing only one direction,
they can never turn back, and
they no longer have plans of their own
Christians live under the authority of the Lord, the Lord Jesus. Abraham Kuyper gave a speech that he once gave before a university audience in Amsterdam. He was arguing that scholarship is an important form of Christian discipleship. Since scholarship deals with God's world, it has to be done in such a way that it honours Christ. Kuyper concluded with this ringing proclamation:
“There is not one square inch of the entire creation about which Jesus Christ does not cry out, 'This is mine! This belongs to me!’”
The phrase ‘Lord of all’ appears a few times in the English translations of the Bible, specifically in the books of Joshua, Acts, and Romans although the concept of God's sovereignty as the ruler over everything is taught frequently throughout scripture, using various names and descriptions.
Specific Occurrences of ‘Lord of all’
The phrase ‘Lord of all’ is primarily referring to the ultimate authority and sovereignty of God and of and Jesus Christ over everything in the world.
“See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you.” Joshua 3:11 and 3:13
This emphasis of God's power over all the earth was demonstrated by the stopping of the Jordan River's flow.
In the New Testament, when Peter preaches to the Gentile centurion Cornelius, he speaks of Jesus' universal authority over all people, of both Jews and Gentiles. saying,
“He is Lord of all”. Acts 10:36
Paul also emphasises that God's grace and lordship extend to everyone.:
"For 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
Peter Forsyth (1848–1921), a Scottish minister and influential theologian, wrote in his book, ‘The Person and Place of Jesus Christ’,
“The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master”.
He understood that true freedom is found not through self-determination, but through voluntary submission to the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Related Expressions
The Bible contains many similar expressions, such as ‘Lord of lords and King of kings’, that convey the same message about God's supreme authority and dominion, such as:
“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes” . Deuteronomy 10:17:
“Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever”. Psalm 136:3
"The LORD, the Lord of All the Earth" (Jehovah Adon Kol Ha-arets)” Joshua 3:11.
Similar expressions are used about Jesus in the New Testament:
“. . . which the blessed and only Sovereign One - the King of kings and Lord of Lords - will bring about in His own time. He, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” 1 Timothy 6:15 ·
This passage refers to the future revelation of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate Sovereign, possessing authority over all rulers.
"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14
In this apocalyptic vision, Jesus, the Lamb, is depicted as victorious over all His enemies, affirming His supreme authority.
"And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:16
This vivid imagery portrays Jesus at His second coming, where His title is prominently displayed, signifying His ultimate rule and authority over all creation.
Shortly after joining the Navy, a new recruit asked his officer for a pass so he could attend a wedding. The officer gave him the pass, but informed the young man he would have to be back by 7 p.m. Sunday.
“You don't understand, sir,” said the recruit. “I'm in the wedding.”
“No, you don't understand,” the officer shot back. “You're in the Navy!”
The concept of God as the supreme, all-powerful ruler over the entire universe is a central and pervasive theme throughout the Bible. We reject his rule at our peril.
Is he really Lord of my time, my conversations, my income and my relationships?
BVP
