20 February 2026
Paul now drives us to the centre. Mark Penrith said, “Paul now drives the stake. He takes us to the cross. He takes us to the empty tomb.” Romans 14:9 declares, “Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living.” The cross was not only about forgiveness. It was about lordship. The resurrection crowned what the cross accomplished.
Mark Penrith stated it plainly, “Christ died and returned to life. For what purpose? That he might be Lord.” This Lordship is not theoretical. It is absolute. “Lord of all. His death purchased that Lordship. His resurrection sealed it.” The One who died for your brother now reigns over your brother. You do not sit above him. Christ does. The chair is occupied.
This changes how we posture ourselves. Mark warned us, “The chair is His. Not yours. Not mine. His alone.” When you critique another believer, you step toward a seat that does not belong to you. But when you bow, you remember reality. Scripture says, “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:10–11. Every knee includes yours. Every tongue includes mine.
So build a new habit. Before you evaluate another Christian, bow your own knee in prayer. Confess out loud, Jesus Christ is Lord. Mark reminded us, “He holds the gavel of final judgment.” That confession leaves little room for pride. It steadies your heart. It humbles your tone. It reorders your perspective.
Lead your family here as well. Pray Philippians 2:10–11 together this week. Teach your children that worship, not judgment, defines us. As Mark said, “He alone is Lord. He alone is the Judge.” We bow together. We do not compete for the bench.
Christ died and rose to be Lord.
Lord Jesus, You alone are Lord. Bend my knee. Guard my heart from pride. Teach me to honour Your throne. Amen.