October 4, 2007 - Acts 2:38a

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Acts 2:38a.
The third word or phrase that I would like for us to consider is “In the name of Jesus Christ”. Peter, in his message just before this command, had spoken very clearly about what had happened to Jesus of Nazareth. He told his audience that they had agreed to have him killed by crucifixion, but that God had raised Him from the dead. It was a scandalous statement for Peter to make, and yet, his audience was cut to their heart and now wanted to know how they should respond. Peter was now giving them instructions of what to do, saying that they should do these things in the name of the one that they had crucified. Peter had now used the phrase, “Christ”, in connection with Jesus’ name. This signified to this Jewish audience that Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited Messiah. This Jesus had now become the risen, ascended, and glorified Christ. And to now do anything “in the name of Jesus Christ” identified the activity and focus of their lives under His relational authority.
I must admit that there are times that I pray “in the name of Jesus”, as if these words hold some magical, mystical meaning. In other words, if I ask for anything “in the name of Jesus”, I would get what I prayed for. Isn’t that weird? I bet that I am the only person to think that! I don’t think so! Actually, I have heard people praying in Jesus’ name, as if it were some special, secret code that unlocks the gates to God’s treasury. I have also heard many pray in Jesus’ name, who really understood what they were doing. Asking, seeking, and knocking, from Matthew, chapter 6, is in a very relational context, and Jesus is encouraging His listeners to do these things out of the relationship with Him and His Father. He is not just teaching about a truth; He is the Truth. When this second group of people prays, they are seeking Him and all that He has for them. And it is out of this relationship that they seek Him in prayer.
Today, I would like us to think of this phrase, “in the name of Jesus”. Reflect on what that means to you. Do you use it as a magic formula or are you seeking Him out of a relationship with Him? Take an honest look at how you may use this phrase, and consider if it lines up with how the Father would have you use it.