THE GOLDEN ARCH
"He Whom God has exalted at His right hand as Ruler and
Savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to
this. So too does the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to those that obey Him."
-Acts 5:31-32
To have Easter, we must have Pentecost. Only by the Holy
Spirit can we recognize the risen Christ. To receive the Holy Spirit and to live
our new life in the Spirit, we must obey God (Acts 5:32).
The Greek word
translated "obey" in Acts 5:29, 32 is not the common Greek word for obedience.
It includes the prefix "arch," connoting "first" and "authority." In English, we
use this prefix in the words "archbishop" and "archangel." Thus, to receive the
Holy Spirit we need "arch-obedience." We need more than a utilitarian or even
begrudging obedience. We need obedience in which we are consciously submissive
to God-given authority. We also need an obedience in which God is put first, and
all authorities contrary to Him are disobeyed (Acts 5:29) if they are contrary
to God. In "arch-obedience," we are humble before God and rebellious against all
authorities rebelling against God. Therefore, "arch-obedience" is
confrontational and dangerous. All martyrs had "arch-obedience" and therefore
had the Holy Spirit.
Be "arch-obedient." Receive the Holy Spirit. Meet the
risen Christ.
Father, may I love You so much that I am
willing to risk my life for You.
"Whoever believes in the Son
has life eternal. Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure
the wrath of God." -Jn 3:36
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