1 Corinthians 12:3 “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”

I think it goes without saying that Paul is not talking about the ability to form these sounds with your mouth, the ability to pronounce the words “Jesus” and “is” and “Lord.” Any verbal person can do that.

He is talking about people who say these words and sincerely mean them for themselves. Having the Spirit is not about what you can do. It is not about how well you live. It shows itself in the sincere faith that recognizes Jesus as Lord, and claims Jesus as Lord. If a person can’t or doesn’t do that, then the Holy Spirit is not present, and the individual can have no spiritual gifts.

“Jesus is Lord” is a pregnant statement of faith. We hear the word “Lord,” and the first thing we may think about is “obedience.” It is true that those who recognize Jesus as their Lord intend to live under him and follow his rules. But it is more than that.

A “Lord” is a person with authority, someone who has power and control. With Jesus, this is true of our entire life experience. It applies to everything about our relationship with him. “Jesus is Lord” means that Jesus is my Rescuer. I did not have the power or resources to deal with my sins myself. I couldn’t keep myself from committing them. I had nothing with which I could pay for them, no way to make amends for my guilt. So my Lord Jesus came to the rescue. My King fought his way to my side. He endured the elements of a hostile world to get to me. He took the brunt of the attacks evil villains and enemies of my soul launched at him on the way.

And when he reached me, he died in my place to spare my life and set me free. He brought forgiveness for my sins and healing for my heart. He did it, not helpless me, because Jesus is my Lord, and he had the power to rescue me when I was powerless to help myself.

“Jesus is Lord” means that Jesus cares and provides for me. We are inclined to think about government and rulers as people who take money away from us. Complaints about taxes go all the way back to the “Robin Hood” legend. Farther than that, they go all the way back to ancient times. They even play a part in the story of Jesus and the people who surrounded him so many centuries ago.

But Jesus turns this all around. He is a different kind of Lord, a Ruler and King who gives his wealth away. He uses it to feed and clothe and care for the people he has claimed as his very own. Those who confess, “Jesus is Lord,” acknowledge this at every dinner prayer, as they bow their heads and ask Jesus to bless their food and thank him for giving it to them.

You see, “Jesus is Lord” is more than a statement of submission and obedience. It is the grateful appreciation of rescued people who are blessed by their gracious Master’s generosity every day. It is an understanding of Jesus that can only be worked by the Holy Spirit. It is the claim that he is my Lord, and by his grace that’s the way I want it to be.