TODAY’S MEDITATION – Let’s not call the name of Jesus in vain! (Acts 19:15-16)

Jesus said “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). This verse tells us that whatevrer we ask Him will be answered for God’s glory. My brother, my sister, there is power in calling on the name of Jesus, because this name is above all named things and situations….Let’s read today’s passage to understand it: “One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”

We should therefore understand that when we call the name of Jesus on certains situations, we have to be sure the situation will not worsen… some evil spirits could be trying to undermine us, thus producing unwanted situations in our lives. So, calling on the name of Jesus in vain would make those spirits react, because they know who Jesus is. This passage tells us something crucial: Ephesus was the centre of black magic and other occult practices. The people used to cook up magical formulas to give them wealth, happiness and success in marriage. They did things that God forbids (Deuteronomy 18:9-13), yet they wanted to use Jesus’ name to get well. My friend, you cannot be a believer and hold on to the occult, black magic or sorcery… things of darkness! Satan is an imitator and you will think the things you are doing are working… But this passage shows us that it is a trap, and that is why sometimes people get more troubles than relief when seeking the Lord to sort out their situations. You cannot be dabbling in Satan’s area while calling on the name of Jesus, because the evil spirits you have let into your life will become mad when you start calling on Jesus while you still have no relationship with Him. You have to make a choice… One foot in the world (the king of this world is Satan) and one foot in the Lord is just increasing more problems to yourself spiritually. God says: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Life is in Christ Jesus. Stop giving evil spirits tools to whip you and make you naked… abide in Christ and He will abide in you too.

Yes, your name may be written in the book of life, but this passage tells us that evils spirits also knew apostle Paul’s name, so when he cast them out, they will obey him, because he was in Christ… We cannot just recite the name of Jesus as if it is just another name. Beware the explosion calling on the powerful name of the Lord Jesus can cause within you… This is what happened to these people in Ephesus: they thought they could call on Jesus to cast out an evil spirit just like they saw Paul doing (imitation without any foundation in Christ)… they had no authority to do so. The fact is that they were calling on the name of Jesus without knowing Him personally so evil spirits attacked them violently. My friend, the power that brings a change in your life or in other people’s life comes from Christ alone. It is not something you tap by reciting His name like a magic charm, for God gives and works His power only through those He chooses, those He gives authority to, those who know Him for they have an intimate relationship with Him. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.