RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: APRIL 2026 DEEP-DIVE

HE IS LORD JESUS: THE PROTOCOL OF REVERENCE

MESSAGE BY: PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

 (EASTER SUNDAY)

BIBLE READING: REVELATION 1:17

1-YEAR PLAN: LUKE 10:25–42; JOSHUA 23–24

2-YEAR PLAN: ROMANS 7:12–25; PSALM 108

MEMORISE: “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last” — (REVELATION 1:17)

I. THE REVELATION OF IDENTITY

On this glorious Easter Sunday, as the world celebrates the resurrection of the Savior, we must move beyond the historical facts of the empty tomb and enter into the revelation of His Person. To walk with Him effectively and serve Him with results, you must know who He really is.

Knowledge precedes Honor. You cannot truly honor someone you do not know, and you cannot love someone whose identity remains a mystery to you. In the Kingdom of God, the way you address the Master is a direct reflection of the depth of your spiritual encounter.

1. More Than a Name: The Lordship Factor

Observe the vocabulary of the early Church after the resurrection and ascension. You will notice a significant shift. They no longer referred to Him merely as “Jesus of Nazareth” or “the carpenter’s son.” To them, He was—and is—Lord Jesus.

Using the title “Lord” (Kurios) was not a religious formality; it was an acknowledgement of His supreme authority, His divine identity, and His absolute ownership of their lives. When you recognize Him as Lord, your casual attitude vanishes, and a holy reverence takes its place.

II. THE ANATOMY OF AN ENCOUNTER

A true encounter with the glorified Christ is transformative. It changes your language, your posture, and your perspective.

1. The Damascus Road (Saul of Tarsus)

Consider Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9. He was a man of high religious standing, yet he was spiritually blind. When the light from heaven knocked him to the ground, his first question was: “Who are you, Lord?” Even before he knew it was Jesus, the sheer weight of the glory forced a “Lord” out of his mouth.

The moment the voice replied, “I am Jesus,” Saul’s life was rerouted. He didn’t argue or negotiate; he submitted. He recognized that the One he was persecuting was the Sovereign of the Universe.

2. The Isle of Patmos (John the Beloved)

John had been Jesus’ closest friend during His earthly ministry. He was the one who leaned on Jesus’ chest at the Last Supper. But when John saw the Glorified Christ on Patmos, he didn’t run to give Him a casual “hug.”

Revelation 1:17 records that John fell at His feet as though he were dead. The manifestation of divine glory was so overwhelming that his physical strength failed. This is the Master in His current state—the First and the Last, the One who holds the keys of death and hell.

III. THE PROTOCOL OF THE GLORIFIED CHRIST

Many today claim to “know” Jesus, yet they speak of Him with a familiarity that lacks awe. If your “encounter” hasn’t produced a deep sense of reverence, you likely haven’t met the glorified Christ; you’ve only met a mental image of Him.

Reverence in Worship: Our worship shouldn’t just be emotional; it should be an offering of “deepest awe” for His majesty.

Reverence in Words: How do you speak of Him to your colleagues or in your private prayers? Is He just a “helper,” or is He the Great God and Savior?

Reverence in Life: A life of holiness is the ultimate act of recognizing His Lordship. According to Titus 2:13-14, He redeemed us to purify for Himself a “peculiar people,” zealous for good works.

IV. THE SUPREMACY OF THE NAME

Philippians 2:9-11 provides the legal backing for this reverence. God has highly exalted Him and given Him a Name that sits above every name.

  • In Heaven: Angels bow.

  • On Earth: Men and circumstances must submit.

  • Under the Earth: Demons tremble.

Every tongue is mandated to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This Easter Sunday, let that confession ring out from your spirit with a new level of understanding. He is not just a risen teacher; He is the Lord of Heaven and Earth!

V. COMPREHENSIVE Q&A: WALKING IN HIS LORDSHIP

Q1: Is it ‘wrong’ to just say the name ‘Jesus’ without adding ‘Lord’?

Answer: It’s not about a “legalistic” rule of speech, but a “heart-posture” of honor. However, as you grow in the Spirit, you’ll find that “Lord Jesus” becomes your natural language because you are constantly aware of His authority. Even the demons in Acts 19 said, “Jesus I know…” but the saints said, “The Lord Jesus.”

Q2: How can I develop this ‘deep awe’ for Him?

Answer: Through the Word and the Holy Spirit. As you study the epistles and the Book of Revelation, the Holy Spirit unveils the “unparalleled greatness” of Christ to your spirit. You move from knowing Him after the flesh to knowing Him after the Spirit.

Q3: Does calling Him ‘Lord’ mean I can’t have a ‘friendship’ with Him?

Answer: On the contrary! True friendship with God is built on the foundation of fear (reverence). Psalm 25:14 says, “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.” The more you honor Him as Lord, the more He invites you into the “inner circle” of His friendship.

VI. REFLECTION & PROPHETIC PRAYER

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

If the Lord Jesus walked into my room physically today, would I be comfortable with my current lifestyle and the way I speak about Him? True reverence is living every moment as if He were visible.

PROPHETIC DECREE FOR EASTER SUNDAY:

I decree that a new mantle of reverence is falling upon you today! The eyes of your spirit are being opened to see the King in His beauty. I command every knee of “limitation” and “sickness” in your life to bow at the mention of the Name of the Lord Jesus! Because He is Lord of all, He is Lord over your finances, your health, and your family. You shall walk in the consciousness of His majesty and reign in life as a king through Him!

PRAYER:

Blessed Lord Jesus, I thank You for unveiling Your Lordship and glory to my spirit. My worship, my words, and my life reflect the greatest honor, the deepest awe, and the utmost reverence for Your majesty. I acknowledge Your unparalleled greatness, Your eternal dominion, and Your everlasting reign. You are Lord of my life, Lord of my home, and Lord of my world. Amen.

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