I once took the boys to Dallas for a special get-away weekend. Our plan was to take them to the Ranger’s game, but with the recent Genesis 6, “flood-type” rains in Texas, we thought an outdoor baseball game was risky. Therefore, we made a last minute change to an indoor venue, Medieval Times.
I hadn’t been to Medieval Times since I was about 4 years old. We knew the boys would love the production. They love animals. They love swords. They love bright lights. They love food. Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Medieval Times was the perfect choice for the evening.
If you’ve been, you’re familiar with the customs of the experience. Everything is decked out in “Medieval” decorations, artifacts, cuisine, and costumes. Attendees are called “lords” (men) and “ladies” (women). As you order your meal, waiters ask, “And what can I get for you, my lord?” They’ll come by through the show and ask, “Can I get you a refill of Pepsi, my lord?” (How realistic is that one? Everyone knows that knights drank Coca-Cola)
It’s a really neat environment, but when I was driving home Saturday, I got to thinking about one part of Medieval Times that really bothered me. I know it was just a “theme” running through the entire evening, but hearing the men called “lords” didn’t set well with my heart. Yes, men of power and position were called “lord” in the medieval era. Even in the biblical era, Kings like David and Patriarchs like Abraham were called “lord”. No issues there. But in this dispensation of time—in this covenant of grace in which we serve Jesus, there’s only ONE deserving of such title.
I’m reminded of what Paul wrote in Ephesians 4: 4-6, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
In Paul’s day, many wanted to share Jesus’ Lordship with other things or figures. It’s even that way today. Our society claims that there are multiple ways to the Father, but Jesus eludes to His exclusive nature in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me.” In other words, “I’m the only LORD—I’m the only one who will get you to Heaven.”
The word “Lord” technically means “Master”. Therefore, when we call Jesus “Lord”, we’re acknowledging Jesus as the One in charge. Which is why it was such an embarrassing question when Jesus asked His apostles in Luke 6: 46, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” If your boss told you to do something at work, would you really respond by saying, “I think I’ll do it another way, but thanks for the advice?” Not if you wanted to keep your job. Why, then, would we do that to Jesus, if we want to keep our salvation? Obedience isn’t an option.
Sometimes we treat other things in life as our “lord” because we allow them to control us. Maybe it’s our job. Maybe it’s our hobby. Maybe it’s our money or image. It may even be our own church family.
Listen, we only have one LORD. We only have one “Master”. Only ONE holds complete authority—only ONE is truly “in charge”— Jesus and Jesus alone.
Granted, the phraseology at Medieval Times was harmless, and we had a very enjoyable evening. I would certainly go again, and I’m sure I’ll be asked by my boys for a return visit.
But when it comes to everyday life, removing Jesus from His well-deserved throne of Lordship isn’t harmless. It’s not only harmful, but destructive. We will lose our soul if we forget WHO the LORD is, and HOW MANY there really are.
In the words of that great conqueror and leader Joshua, “Choose this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
Make that choice today.