God’s Word Says….
Acts 9:13-15 (NCV)

13 But some people also were traveling around and making evil spirits go out of people. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to force the evil spirits out. They would say, “By the same Jesus that Paul talks about, I order you to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time an evil spirit said to them, “I know Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

My Thoughts…..

Having just read in the preceding verses how people were healed with the touch of Paul’s handkerchief by his followers, it would almost seem natural for it to flow that these sons of a leading priest, Sceva, would have the same supernatural power to heal, especially if they followed the same method that Paul’s followers used – by using the name of Jesus in their demand for evil spirits to come out of people. However, the evil spirits quickly realized that there was no power in the vain use of Jesus’ name by these individuals. Friends, I believe that there is great power in the name of Jesus, but I also believe that it is Jesus who does the healing, and not individuals. In fact, for those individuals who do not know Jesus personally, and I am of the impression that these sons of Sceva fit this description, they really have no business using Jesus’ name, and they definitely have no authority to act on His behalf. So how does this relate today? While I am not the judge, I believe that way too many folk today lay their hands on people, and make demands in Jesus’ name, claiming a supernatural power because they know Jesus. Friends, I am very comfortable praying and asking Jesus to please heal someone, but I do not believe that Jesus is a puppet that I can demand Him to heal someone. He is the master of all things, so He is fully aware of what will bring Himself glory, and what will serve to meet our selfish needs and desires. I am convinced that I must seek His face and allow His kingdom and His work to be fulfilled, not my selfish desires or the wish of someone who only knows God when there is a need in their life. Does He still give power to folk to heal today, like He did with Paul? Friend, my God is all powerful and He can use a stone to bring forth water, so I know that He is able to use His chosen people to be used as His instrument to lay hands on someone and heal them. My only caution is that God be glorified and that He be the One doing the healing and not for a moment should we get the impression that we can do any of this of our own accord. We can very easily bring condemnation on ourselves if we act like we are messengers of His, but without His divine authority.

Challenge……

We serve an awesome, all powerful God, who has power to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. In fact, He even brought the dead back to life. Wouldn’t it be praise-worthy if we saw healing in our church services, or during our visitation of the sick or shut-ins? Friends, there is only one source for healing – it is through Jesus my Lord! He alone has the power to do all things, for in His Word He declares that ALL things are possible through Him. Does He need help from us? I believe you will quickly agree with me that we have no such power as our Lord, when we attempt anything supernatural of our own accord. So what if we use the powerful name of Jesus to demand the supernatural? Friend, the key here is that Jesus will do the healing, not us. Remember, we must decrease, so that He may increase. He designed us to bring glory to himself and that we represent Him so fully in and through our character, that others will see Jesus. When we do this, we quickly learn from Jesus himself who taught us through His own dependence on His Father (God), that we must also depend on Him and allow Him to do His work, so that His will might be fulfilled in and through us. Never accept praise from someone for any power they may feel that we have, or miracles they may try to give us credit for. This work is completed by God, whether through us or not, so give Him the glory, and teach your friends to do the same.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that it feels good to be praised by someone for something I may have done to help them. However, please help me to always correct them and point them to You whenever they are tempted to give me credit, for it is in Your name and for Your glory that my efforts are worthy of praise. I acknowledge that there is great power in Your name, and I thank You for even considering us when You use Your awesome power to reverse certain health or life situations, or to relieve stress and/or pain on us. You went to the cross for us, what more can we possibly ask of You. I thank you for Your love displayed in so many ways for me, and for the many that claim You as Lord today. May we be Your humble servants, always willing to step back and allow You to shine through in all things, especially those things that seem impossible to us. Thank You for accepting me as Your son and allowing me to serve You while here on this earth. To God be all glory, honor and praise for all that is accomplished in Your name, is my humble pray that I ask in Your wonderful and all-powerful name, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.