Day 8 — Faith in Christ’s Authority | JD Devotional

Day 8 — Faith in Christ’s Authority | JD Devotional

APRIL — DAY 8: Faith in Christ’s Authority

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Focus Scripture:
“And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46 (KJV)

What You Will Walk Away With

1. Faith Includes Submission, Not Just Belief — You will discover that faith in Christ is not only about believing He exists or that He can act—it is about recognizing who He is and responding accordingly.
2. The Contradiction of Calling Him Lord — You will understand that calling Jesus “Lord” while disobeying Him reveals incomplete faith.
3. Trust Expressed Through Obedience — You will learn that true faith does not negotiate with Christ’s authority—it submits to it, trusting that His commands are good and His will is wise.

Devotional

Faith in Christ is not only about believing that He exists or that He can act—it is about recognizing who He is and responding accordingly.

Jesus confronts a common contradiction in Luke 6:46: “And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” The repetition of “Lord” suggests enthusiasm, perhaps even sincerity. These were people who used the right language, who confessed the right title. Yet their confession was disconnected from their conduct.

This reveals a crucial truth—faith that does not submit to Christ’s authority is incomplete.

To confess Christ as Lord is to acknowledge His rightful rule over every part of life. “Lord” is not a casual title. In the world of the Bible, it was a declaration of allegiance, a recognition of authority, a submission to rule. You cannot call Him “Lord” and then live as if you are the master of your own life.

Many desire Christ as Savior but resist Him as Lord. They want His help but not His direction. They trust His power but question His authority. They are grateful for His sacrifice but reluctant to surrender to His sovereignty.

Yet Scripture does not separate these realities. The same Jesus who saves is the One who reigns. You cannot receive Him as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord. He is not divided—He is one Lord, one Christ, one King.

Faith in Christ’s authority means trusting that His commands are good, His will is wise, and His leadership is perfect—even when it challenges personal preferences or comfort.

When Jesus tells you to forgive, He is not imposing a burden—He is leading you into freedom. When He tells you to love your enemy, He is not giving an impossible standard—He is revealing the way of His own heart. When He calls you to surrender an area of your life, He is not taking something good—He is protecting you from something harmful.

True faith does not negotiate with Christ’s authority—it submits to it. It says, “I do not fully understand, but I trust You. I do not always see the reason, but I trust Your wisdom. This is difficult, but I trust Your love.”

Christ-Centered Focus

Jesus possesses all authority.

He declared after His resurrection: “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). His authority is not limited, conditional, or temporary—it is absolute. He speaks with the authority of God because He is one with the Father.

Throughout His life, Jesus demonstrated authority over:

• Sin and forgiveness — He said, “Your sins are forgiven,” and the scribes knew only God could forgive
• Nature and circumstances — He calmed storms with a word
• Sickness and death — He healed with a touch and raised the dead
• Spiritual powers — demons fled at His command

To trust Christ is to trust His authority fully. Not to question His commands, but to trust that they come from the One who holds all power and loves perfectly.

Conclusion

Faith in Christ is proven not only by belief, but by submission to His authority. Today, examine your heart. Is there any area where you call Him “Lord” but do not do what He says? Bring that area to Him—not with reluctance, but with trust. His commands are not burdens; they are invitations to life under the rule of a good King.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Teach me to trust Your authority in every area of my life. Help me not only to believe in You, but to follow You. Where I resist Your leadership, soften my heart and lead me in obedience. I do not want to call You “Lord” with my lips while denying Your lordship with my life. You are Lord—let me live like it.
In Your name,
Amen.

Declaration

• I declare that Jesus is Lord over my life.
• I declare that I trust His authority and submit to His will.
• I declare that my faith is expressed through obedience.

Action Points

1. Identify areas where you resist Christ’s authority. Ask the Spirit to reveal any part of your life where you call Him “Lord” but do not do what He says.
2. Choose obedience in something specific today. Pick one area of resistance and intentionally submit to His authority in that matter.
3. Surrender decisions to Christ’s leadership. Instead of making plans and asking Him to bless them, bring your decisions to Him first.

Memory Verse
“And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46 (KJV)

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