SCRIPTURE: Acts 19:13-22
“In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” (Acts 19:20)
The ‘word of the Lord’ is not the bible, but the message about Jesus.
The bible was not written yet; it was the testimony of Jesus that was spreading.
And what inspired people to believe was the evidence of dramatic life change.
It was evident that there was power at work through Jesus.
“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)
Greedy people becoming generous, murderers confessing their crimes, sorcerers burning their scrolls, demon-possessed people being healed.
But the key is the message of Jesus, the ‘word of the Lord’; apart from Jesus the signs mean nothing.
The seven sons of Sceva discovered this the hard way; Jesus is not a technique to add power to your life.
So why is the ‘word of the Lord’ not spreading widely and growing in power among us?
Is it possible that we are also holding on to the wrong things, seeking the wrong goals?
Are we very religious, yet not in a real relationship with Him, following Him?
Are we using Jesus to satisfy our own worldly, temporal needs, but not really living with, like and for Him?
An even worse thing than having demons say ‘who are you’, is for Jesus to say ‘I never knew you!’
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I want to know You more. I want to live with You, like You and for You. There is no greater thing.
Observations/Application
At the name of Jesus . . .
be part of popularity – a following like Paul had?
The name of Jesus does not give the healing power.
Faith in Jesus does. Christ empowers.
Magic powers, spells, charms are not the answer.
Giving up all for Jesus is the answer. Focus on Christ and not self. Take hold of God and nothing else and He will give the increase.
What keeps me from total commitment to Him? What am I hanging onto? Open my eyes Lord and let me see You more clearly. Help me this day to serve You in all I do and say.
At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;
‘Tis the Father’s pleasure we should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
In your hearts enthrone Him; there let Him subdue
All that is not holy, all that is not true;
Crown Him as your Captain in temptation’s hour;
Let His will enfold you in its light and power.