The power of Jesus’ name
One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a young servant woman who had an evil spirit that enabled her to predict the future. She earned a lot of money for her owners by telling fortunes. She followed Paul and us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God! They announce to you how you can be saved!’ She did this for many days, until Paul became so upset that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I order you to come out of her!’ The spirit went out of her that very moment. (verses 16-18)
Read Acts 16:16-24
‘In honour of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father’ (Philippians 2:10,11). That’s the way it is and will be for evermore, because ‘in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us’ (Acts 4:12b). All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus. Even the devil knows this, and he trembles.
Rather than tremble, you can rejoice because of what Jesus promises you. He invites you, as one of his dear children, to pray to the Father in his name, and he promises that God will answer you (John 15:16b). Through the power of his name you can overcome the attacks levelled against you by the devil and the sinful world around you and within you. Because of his name and through his name you share in the power of his great Easter victory. That’s where the power comes from. There is no-one greater, more powerful and more deserving than he who defeated all your enemies. He will one day present you to the Father as his precious child.
Lord Jesus, as I live under the power of your holy name, give me victory over all my spiritual enemies. I trust you and trust the power of your name. Amen.
by Len Tscharke, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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