August 11, 2011 - Acts 19:15

“One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’” Acts 19:15.
In the region surrounding Ephesus, many people experienced bodily healing and release from the grip of evil spirits through the ministry of Paul in the name of Jesus. Having witnessed Paul casting evil spirits out of people, some Jews went about the region attempting to do the same. On one occasion, while attempting to cast a spirit out of one person, the evil spirit spoke back to them, recognizing Jesus and Paul but not the men casting it out. The spirit acknowledged the authority in which Jesus and Paul spoke, but did not recognize the authority of these men. It did not turn out well for those men, of which I will speak next week, but at this point, I desire to have us look at the authority of which Jesus and Paul spoke.
These men attempted to cast out the demon by invoking the “name of Jesus” about whom Paul preached. They used what they thought was a special (maybe even magical) formula to free people. They might have even had good motives for doing this, but were playing with fire, so to speak. When I invoke the name of Jesus, either in my prayers or for other reasons, I need to understand why I am using His name in this way. Is it because of some formula that I learned or is it from a heart-felt conviction that I am under the authority of Jesus? This verse (and the ones to follow) is a sobering to reflect on concerning the authority of God. Take some time to reflect on power of the authority of God.
Questions to consider: When you pray, do you always end “in the name of Jesus?” Do you know why you pray this way? Why do you suppose the evil spirit recognized Jesus and Paul? Would an evil spirit recognize you? Why or why not?
Prayer: Father, it is a mystery why You would allow me to pray with Your authority, but I realize that You do. Please guide me in the use of Your name with reverence, respect, and humility, recognizing that You are the source of all power. Amen.