Bible Reading: Acts 19
Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
These men did not know Jesus, but they saw the power of Jesus and they wanted that power. This was so prevalent that even the chief priest’s sons decided to try using the name of Jesus to cast out devils.
Acts 19:14-16 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
There are many who are like these Jews. They covet the power of Jesus but they do not know him. They want to be able to perform magic in the name of Jesus. That is really what magic is supposedly all about. If you simply get the formula right you can command the power. The name of Jesus is not a magic formula or incantation. He is the LORD and he wants a relationship with us. His work on the cross is for the salvation of men’s souls because of our sins. He is not a talisman or a good luck charm. Jesus is not a magic formula or a genie that grants special wishes.
These men found out the hard way that the name of Jesus is not magic. The only protection a person has from devils is the Spirit of Jesus living in you. When these men tried to cast out devils using the name of Jesus, they took a beating from the devil possessed man. It is almost comical, but a reality none the less. The devils did not know these sons of Sceva. They did however know Jesus. It is also really interesting that they knew Paul.
If you know Jesus, you will be known by the enemy. You will be a threat. Why? Because the Spirit of Jesus will live in you and devils will know the authority of Jesus.
Do you wreak havoc on Satan’s kingdom by boldly preaching the gospel? Or are you looking for some magic power? Jesus wants to fill you so that you are a witness for him. He is not interested in those who would use him to build their own reputation.
In Christ,
Rody
