“Tell us about all things spiritual, Paul” the Greek Christians of Corinth asked in a letter, and he set about it like this as he wrote.The first real sign of the Holy Spirit’s activity in you is Christian conversion. ‘No one can enthrone Jesus as Lord’ unless he is moved by the Holy Spirit. The Lordship of Jesus is the first notice we give to the world that we are under new personal management. Often the first thing the world notices about someone who has become a Christian is just this – his speech. He talks differently. His ‘tongue’ has changed.He has stopped cursing.
Yet in the Roman Empire there was an acid test of loyalty. There were of course no elections, but every so often Roman citizens would be called upon to affirm their loyalty before witnesses by throwing a pinch of powder into a flame, saying ‘Caesar is Lord’, and in areas where there was a Roman suspicion of revolt it be required to add ‘Jesus is accursed’.
The mark of the Holy Spirit is seen by the world in people who do not curse Jesus, either in psychobabel or in fun, but who affirm that He is their Lord. The word ‘Lord’ (KURIOS) was the name used by power drunk Caesars who had become self-proclaimed gods – they were said to be Lord of Lords. ‘No’, said Christians, ‘there is only one Lord, and His name is Jesus’.
This is how Paul put it in his letter:”Therefore I tell you that no-one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed”, and no-one can say, “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.” I Corinthians 12:3-4
A Prayer:
I confess your name Lord Jesus, for you alone are truly Lord of All. You alone are King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and billions of us unite to acclaim your right to rule. Creation’s voice proclaims it in all heaven and earth: Jesus is Lord. Thank you Holy Spirit for leading me to Christ.
Now read Daniel Chapter 3