Mar 1993 - Editorial

A pivotal condemnation fell on the ears of leaders of Israel when Stephen said:

"You ... are always resisting the Holy Spirit: you are doing just as your fathers did" (Acts 7:51 NASB). Resisting here carries the thought of leaning upon, using one's weight to obstruct an opponenL The Holy Spirit allows Himself to be quenched; not that He is powerless, but He will not empower people who resist Him. The record of mankind's resistance is traced in this month's article on the Old Testament activities of the Holy Spirit. Stephen turned from historic recital to present application when he reached the high point of God's dealings with Israel at the time of David: the invite to rest in God's house. Israel's failure to enter God's rest reflected their lack of faith in the Spirit-given promise (Heb. 4:2); opposition to the Spirit is ever shown by failure to believe and obey the Word of God, and especially so in relation to teaching concerning God's house.

Contrariwise, privilege and blessing await those who follow the Spirit's leading, and allow themselves to be borne along by Him (2 Pet. 1:21). Such were the godly remnant who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of God and the city wall. Insights into the quality of the leadership of those people is provided in the article in our main series. It is also interesting to note that God fffst stirred a Gentile king, Cyrus, to make way for the accomplishment of His purposes in His house and among His people. The centre pages of this month's magazine turn our minds from present stirrings among world leaders to notable world events as God moves ahead with His plan which will culminate in Him dwelling among men (Rev. 21:3). Today, as before, the pivotal question of obedience or opposition to the Holy Spirit is tested by reference to our love for God's house, the place of His rest.

unknown | Mar 1993
Editorial