I Make My Own Hours

Several years back, the satirical news site The Onion ran a fake story with the headline “‘I Make My Own Hours,’ Says Man about to Get Fired” (The Onion, March 19, 2011, https://www.theonion.com/i-make-my-own-hours-says-man-about-to-get-fired-1819572473). It is a funny headline, and we recognize that it is funny because of the element of truth that is present in all things humorous. On one hand, we recognize that if there was a workplace where people did whatever they wanted and blatantly ignored the orders their boss gave to them and the responsibilities that came along with their job, they should be fired. But at the same time, Jesus presents this challenge to all of us in Luke 6: If he is Lord, then why don’t we do what he tells us to do? He isn’t asking the question so that we can respond and explain our behavior. Honestly, what do you say to that question? If your employer says, “Why do you call me ‘boss’ and never do what I tell you to do?” how do you respond? What genuine excuse can you give? The same is true here: Jesus doesn’t want an answer; he wants a commitment. Again, it is in the confession that Jesus is Lord that we are saved. Now, the idea here isn’t simply that there is this formula—you say this and you’re saved—rather, it is a lifestyle recognition that Jesus is himself Lord of Lords. That you cannot say Jesus is your Savior without submitting to him as your Lord. That to try to separate salvation by Christ from the lordship of Christ is impossible.