The Lord reigns

Introduction

The second 2026 edition of the Hallelujah Challenge, which usually takes place in February and then in October, is underway, and tonight we begin its second half.

This theme, seemingly simple or even classic, is in my view deeper than it appears. It rests on two key words: Lord and reign. Let's take it step by step: what do they actually mean?

I know what you might say in response, a phrase we are used to hearing: "A king reigns." Let's take a few minutes to step back.

I - What Is a Lord?

In the historical sense, a lord is someone who holds a lordship: he owns land and exercises over its inhabitants (the peasants, known as "villeins") a power of command, justice and protection, in exchange for dues and services. In the feudal system, he is often the vassal of a more powerful lord and the overlord of lesser lords. In the broader sense, the word refers to a person of high rank who dominates or commands ("warlord", "grand seigneur").

To put it more simply: in the Middle Ages, the lord was the owner of a large estate, with a castle, fields and villages all around. He was something like the chief of the region. He protected those who lived on his lands and administered justice when disputes arose. In return, the peasants gave him part of their harvests and worked for him.

Today, in religion, we also say "Lord" to refer to God or Jesus, because they are regarded as the greatest rulers of all.

II - Savior, but Also Lord

We all know the Savior dimension of Jesus Christ: through the new birth, He saves us from eternal death by redeeming us with His blood. But what about His lordship in our lives?

Jesus is meant to be both the Savior and the Lord of our lives. As Lord, He must have authority over every area of our lives. It is up to us to respect His commandments; it is up to Him to render us justice, to defend us and to protect us.

III - And What Does "Reign" Mean?

I may shock you: many of us have accepted Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. Yet where He is not Lord, He does not reign. His reign is therefore not effective in everyone's life.

Unlike the lords of this world, Jesus bases His relationship with us on covenant. He respects our free will: He only enters the areas of our lives that we truly yield to Him. He does not impose Himself; He waits for us to open the door.

IV - Taking Stock

The question that arises is this: have you pledged allegiance to Jesus Christ in every area of your life? Are there areas where you have opened the door to Him only partially?

This is an opportunity for each of us to take stock, not from a place of guilt, but in order to improve what needs to be improved. If we want the best of Jesus, we must give Him all of ourselves, the best of us.

Invitation

By the way, you are my guest for the Hallelujah Challenge! We begin the second half of this edition tonight at 11:00 PM GMT, on the Nathaniel Bassey Main YouTube channel (link below), as well as on the Man of God's other official platforms: Facebook and Mixlr. I suggest you join us, even just to try it once. Don't settle for being told about these glorious moments: come and experience them.

https://youtube.com/@nathanielbasseymain?si=jMis0ezbPc2aKejq

With all my affection,

Sonia Beguide