But there were also false prophets among the people,
even as there will be false teachers among you,
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,
even denying the Lord who bought them,
and bring on themselves swift destruction.
Jesus is the Lord (kurios) who rules the hearts of those who willingly trust in Him. But Jesus is also the Lord (despotes) who will force submission on those who reject and deny Him. There are people who claim to know Jesus but who hold false beliefs about Him. Jesus is the Lord (kurios) who gave them the freedom to believe, but He is also the Lord (despotes) who will punish those who reject the truth of Scripture. That’s because they have chosen to reject Him. The Bible describes their rebellion: “They willingly are ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5). Today you have the Scriptures; read its pages, learn of Him, obey its truth and know the Lord (kurios) intimately.
Jesus, I will open the pages of Scripture and learn its teachings. I will obey its truth, and I will submit to Your rule.
Jesus will be the Lord (kurios) to you, and He will bless you because you have yielded to His rule. Pray for those who reject the truth, that their hearts will be turned to righteousness. To those who reject Jesus, He will be the Lord (despotes) to judge them in the final day. Those who reject the rule of Jesus today will be forced to submit to His decisions and judgment in the future.
Jesus, I want to know doctrine as accurately as possible so that I’ll have Your blessing. I want to know You as intimately as possible so that I can be as close as possible to the heart of God. Amen.
You must recognize the lordship of Christ.
