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In the Acts of the Apostles, we find a stirring account that speaks volumes about the authority vested in the name of Jesus and the identity of those who rightfully wield it. Acts 19:13-18 recounts the encounter of vagabond Jews, exorcists, with a man possessed by an evil spirit. These individuals attempted to invoke the name of Jesus whom Paul preached, but they were met with a stark challenge from the spirit: "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"
This narrative is not just an ancient record; it echoes through the ages to our present day. It compels us to confront the question, "Who are you?" in the face of spiritual adversity. The incident in Ephesus is a stark reminder that the power of the church is not in mere words or rituals but in a deep, personal relationship with Christ.
The seven sons of Sceva lacked personal experience with Jesus; they had no firsthand testimony of His power in their lives. They knew of Jesus and Paul, but they did not know them. The evil spirit recognized this void of authentic spiritual authority and overpowered them. As a result, the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, not through their defeat but through the demonstration that true power cannot be impersonated.
We live in times where, just as 2 Timothy 3:13 foretold, evil men and seducers are growing in deception. Yet, we stand firm in the assurance that where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. The church is indeed alive and well, not because of our strength but because the Lord has not abandoned us, especially in these end times.
The power of the church remains intact, the power to bring victory and deliverance to mankind today. It's not about the fanfare or the spectacle of deliverance; it's about the simple yet profound moves of God. As Acts 10:44 says, "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word." This is the living testament that the church is still a conduit of power, for "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Our individual response to the devil's inquiry, "Who are you?" is pivotal. We are not a faceless mass; we are individuals, each with a unique relationship with the Lord. We must know who we are in Christ—not merely by affiliation or by the spiritual victories of our predecessors—but by our personal walk with God.
The challenge for every generation, including ours, is to establish our identity in Christ. The devil knows those who have a form of godliness but denies the power thereof. Therefore, we must not only inherit the legacies of spiritual giants but also become giants in our faith. We must engage in prayer, in seeking Jesus, and in living out the power of His name.
The account of the sons of Sceva serves as a cautionary tale that the name of Jesus is not a magic formula. It is sacred, tied to the integrity and the spiritual stature of the one who invokes it. The name of Jesus is powerful when used by those who have been transformed by His grace, who know Him intimately, and who live in obedience to His Word.
Who are we? Are we like the rootless vagabonds, or are we rooted in the church, grounded in loyalty and responsibility? It is time for us to sink deep roots into the fertile soil of God's kingdom, to stand firm in our identity, and to be loyal to the calling He has placed on our lives.
In closing, let us each take a moment to reflect. Look in the mirror and ask, "Who am I in Christ?" It's essential not just that the world or the devil knows who we are, but that we know who we are. You are someone of great worth, created in the image of God, redeemed by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Rise to the challenge, embrace your identity in Him, and walk in the victory that is already yours in Jesus Christ.
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