“…I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
( Acts 19:13a-15 ESV)
Over the years I am often aware of God’s Spirit gently affirming His involvement in the family milestones or Sunday acts of worship at church. I have much to thank God for as He has moved in my life and changed my family’s sphere of influence to help us in various ways, some of which I have written about.
As I go about my daily life I often say “Praise the Lord” or “Jesus!” it is a habit I have formed over more than fifty years, praising God as I go. I say it out aloud and it tends to bounce back off the walls as I do the chores or some such task about the house. I enjoy the efficacy of the power of the name of Jesus when used in dismissing my fear, challenging my unhelpful thoughts and depressive tendencies. So much so it has become an automatic habit.
I was challenged in my spirit the other day about this, using the name of Jesus like a type of lucky charm, to be still and dismiss bad memories from the past. In my haste to dismiss the ungodly from my focus I had become centred on the words, in and of themselves, because they have changed my focus from internalised fear, shame, guilt, greed etc. to try to look outwards.
Today Jesus has reminded me it is not the words that are efficacious it is His authority behind His Sonship which is the source. The apostles tell us Jesus died to set us free and in this freedom given into our lives, via Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, we have the choice to able to explore a real conversation with the risen Jesus free from the whiles of the Evil One. It is in the Presence of Jesus’ Love and Peace of God we find Him waiting in a daily dialogue.
Jesus wants us to be calling on His name, declaring His praise in faith, with a genuine heart felt dialogue, intimacy and submission to the Son of God, who died to set us free, not just in my off-hand declarations!
Jesus is not an abstract talisman, as the seven sons of Sceva found out! This is not like worldly powers or fantasy, like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones where faux power is demonstrated.
Jesus is with us but He asks of us today to be mindful in our invocations not to just use lip service.
Prayer: Lord, we can only stand before the throne through Your Grace and Mercy. May our hearts and minds be focused on Your atoning sacrifice and may we walk a closer walk with You today, in and through the name of Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
Rod Marshall
roderickmarshall.blogspot.com