Day 180

2 Kings 15:1–16:20; Acts 19:13-41; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 18:4-5

IN OUR READING from Acts today, we encountered a fascinating story about a man and his sons and how they attempted to use the name of Jesus. The man’s name was Sceva, and he was a leading Hebrew priest. Sceva had seven sons (who had obviously been raised in the Hebrew traditions and religion). Sceva’s sons were going from town to town, attempting to cast out demons in the name of Jesus! We’ve encountered the relentless opposition Paul faced while attempting to share Jesus with the Jews, so we can quickly see the irony of these same unbelieving Jews invoking Jesus’ name against evil spirits.

In one exorcism, the seven sons encountered something they were completely unprepared for: An evil spirit spoke back to them. “‘I know Jesus,’ it said, ‘and I know Paul, but who are you?’”

“Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered” (Acts 19:15-16).

This story shows us that invoking the name of Jesus isn’t magic or even commanding without His Spirit within. People use the name of Jesus for many reasons, up until today. But the authority of that name is present within those who have surrendered their identity to His ever-present work of sanctification. The evil spirit in this story knew who Jesus was. It even knew Paul’s authority in Christ. But it had no respect for and could not be dominated by those who simply used the name without knowing the One behind the name.

Once word of this encounter got out, a solemn reverence for the name of Jesus fell over the city. It became clear that there was power in His name, but that it could not be incorporated into a mystical catalog of incantations. Many confessed their sinful practices of sorcery and surrendered their lives to Jesus, burning their books of magic.

Yes, there is power in the name of Jesus —but not without Him. Jesus is not an add-on to our lives that we can summon as needed and then forget about. The authority of Jesus comes in our true surrender to His power and authority in our lives.

MEDITATION:

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!