Obedience and the Lordship of Jesus
Trusting the voice that leads—following Jesus as Lord in grace and confidence.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
It is one thing to call Jesus “Lord,” but it is quite another to live under His lordship. Today’s devotional explores this tension with Jesus’ own piercing question: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?”Calling Christ “Lord” is not merely about our lips—it’s about our lives, surrendered to His authority.
Scripture affirms over and over that Jesus is Lord—this was the message of the apostles, the proclamation of the early church, and the foundation of discipleship. Yet, obedience is not mere duty. It flows from grace. As we grow in our understanding of Jesus as Lord, we are not left to strive—we are invited to rest in the presence of the One who promises to be with us always and who supplies the grace that leads to obedience.
Discipleship is not about performance but participation—teaching others to observe what Jesus commanded, not in legalism but in relationship. Grace doesn’t cancel obedience; it empowers it. The same Lord who calls us to obey is the One who walks with us, working in us to will and to do His good pleasure.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am the Lord who called you—not as a taskmaster, but as your Life. My lordship is not imposed by force but received through fellowship. I do not dominate you; I dwell in you. I do not demand performance; I invite participation. When you call Me Lord, you are acknowledging what is already true: you are Mine, bought with a price, and I live in you.
I am with you always, not only to guide but to be your very source of obedience. What I command, I also supply. The same grace that saved you is the grace that sustains you. You are not left to obey in your own strength—My life in you is your obedience. Trust Me to express it.
When you falter, I am not distant. When you forget, I remain faithful. Do not fear the word “obedience,” for it is not a call to strive but an invitation to abide. My commands are not burdens—they are the outflow of love. And My love has been poured out in your heart. My lordship is not a title to fear but a promise to rest in: I will never leave you. I will complete what I began.
Walk with Me in the awareness of this truth: I am your Lord, and I am your Life. Let every step be a response to My grace—not to earn, but because you are Mine.
Scriptures referenced: Luke 6:46; Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Acts 2:36; 10:36; 16:31; 28:30–31; Romans 1:4–5; Philippians 2:13
🧺 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like using a GPS on a road trip. You’re not required to figure out the directions yourself—the route is already mapped. But unless you follow the voice guiding you, you’ll get off course. Calling it “my GPS” doesn’t mean much if you ignore its direction. Likewise, calling Jesus “Lord” isn’t about acknowledgment alone—it’s about trust that leads to movement in the direction He’s already prepared.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that Jesus is not only my Savior but also my Lord—and that His lordship is not distant or demanding, but present and personal. I rejoice that Your grace has already given me all I need for life and obedience. I don’t walk in fear of failing—I walk in confidence that Christ in me is enough. Thank You for making me a vessel of Your will. As I live today, I rest in the truth that You are at work in me to will and to do what pleases You.