Spirituality

O Lord and Ruler – O Antiphons – Day 2

Today we look at O Adonai or O Lord and Ruler.

We have such an inherent longing for justice. It wrenches our hearts when we see injustice. And we have seen so much of it this year.

“O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.“1

The law

The law of Moses is a mirror to show us we cannot possibly live up to its demands.

And this is the heartbreak – with our free-will we have committed acts against each other that leave us reeling and crying out for the very mercy and justice we long to see.

So, Jesus comes, a tiny baby born – Ruler and to Reign. Yet, He came clothed in flesh, powerless and wailing in a filthy stable.

As He grew and then made Himself known, He shattered the expectations of those around Him. He turned the tables of the zealot’s desires. They wanted Him to crush Roman rule; to save them.

Saves us

Jesus, though, Lord and Ruler, first comes to save us from ourselves.

His purpose in life – death. Redemption for each of us — and then the Resurrection. Glorious lightning, streaking golden through deep darkness.

Isaiah had prophesied:
“[…] but with righteousness, he shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.” Isaiah 11:4-5
“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; he will save us.” Isaiah 33:22

Let justice roll

We have this certain assurance – Jesus, Lord and Ruler, will in that Day, make all things right. As Amos cried out, ” let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (5:24)

And it will.

Lord of my life?

For those who believe, there is more to the story. Have I allowed Jesus, Lord and Ruler, to be the Lord and Ruler of my life? Have I surrendered my will to Him? Can I entrust myself and all that concerns me to His Sovereign care?

In “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” by C. S. Lewis, Susan and Mr. Beaver have this conversation: “Aslan is a lion – the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh,” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr. Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

I lay my life before Him

It is to Him I give my allegiance. And though my heart may quake – I lay my life – my hopes, my dreams, and my desires before Him. I know His promise is sure and strong. He will never leave or forsake me.

He loves me with an Everlasting Love. He holds me, enfolds me and surrounds me. He sings with delight over me and breathes strength and courage into me.

I am His and He is mine.

O Wisdom,
O Lord and Ruler,
O Root of Jesse,
O Key of David,
O Morning Star,
O King of the Nations,
O Emmanuel,

Come, Lord Jesus!

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Antiphons