Our Jesus

If, like me, you were raised by something of a northern, working-class matriarch of a certain age, you will be familiar with the peculiar use of the word ‘our’ prefixed to a family member’s name:

“Where’s our Kerry?”

“Wait till I see our Barrie”

A rather petulant younger me objected to being called ‘Our Alan’ as there was no one else in the family with that name (or, indeed, my age), so which other Alan could be meant? Perhaps the practice originated in the days when every family had a George, a John, a Thomas; a Mary, an Anne, an Elizabeth. Distinguishing your Tom from his cousin or neighbour may once have been helpful.

Many times in the book of Romans does Paul refer to Jesus as ‘ours’. We possess Him, and He us. We are known to Him, and know Him. He knows of us, and knows us. Yet Paul invariably gives Him the title ‘Lord’ in the same breath. He is our Jesus, but He is also our Lord. He belongs to us, and we belong to Him, but He claims our obedience and submission,  There is an intimacy and familiarity between the redeemed and the Redeemer, that they can refer to each other as 'ours'. Yet Christ's lordship is the paramount quality exhibited in His followers' lives. If you account Him your saviour but not your lord, He is neither. 

Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Romans 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Romans 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,

From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,

He gave His life to ransom my soul;

Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.

-Norman Clayton

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