There is no greater name than Jesus
Some Jews who travelled around and drove out evil spirits also tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to do this. They said to the evil spirits, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches.’ Seven brothers, who were the sons of a Jewish High Priest named Sceva, were doing this.
But the evil spirits said to them, ‘I know Jesus, and I know about Paul; but you – who are you?’ (verses 13-15)
Read Acts 19:11-20
Using the name of Jesus brings with it many blessings. When you pray in his name you can be quite sure that your heavenly Father will hear and answer you, because he has asked you to pray like this. There is godly power in the name of Jesus. It is through him, and only through the power of his name, that you can come to the Father in peace. And your Saviour wants you to have his name on your lips so that others too might hear of him and come to worship him. Using the name of Jesus brings with it many blessings.
The sons of Sceva were looking for power. They wanted power over evil spirits by any means possible. And so they tried to use the name of Jesus to drive out the demon. The answer was clear. The name of Jesus must not be used for selfish reasons. It is only given to us so that we can honour the Saviour. He deserves your worship and praise.
Lord Jesus, your name is greater than all other names. All beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will one day bow before you. Help me to honour you by the way I use your name. Amen.
by Len Tscharke, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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