Pentecost and Government (2)

Joel had a radical message. He promised that God would pour out his Holy Spirit on all people. A consequence of that outpouring will be the death of human government. Peter quoted Joel to prove the importance of the events the people of Jerusalem were observing. The outpouring of the Spirit that they saw will bring about the destruction of empires and political rulers of all persuasions. Caesar should be shaking in his boots.

Peter understood that Pentecost was proof that Jesus had been raised up to the right hand of the father.

Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet."
Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ
(Acts 2:33-36).

The gift of the Holy Spirit is proof that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. That makes him Lord of all. It means that he is king of everything. This world cannot have two kings, or two rulers or two lords. A lord is a political ruler. Jesus is not going to stop being Lord. That is why all other lords and powers will have to become his footstool. This will be accomplished by Pentecost.