God's Response:
[Peter said,] "Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed - and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus' name has healed him before your very eyes."
Acts 3:16
Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
Matthew 10:1
Our Takeaway:
Jesus, not the apostles, received the glory for the healing of the lame man. In those days a man's name represented his character; it stood for his authority and power. When Peter used Jesus' name in Acts 3:16, he showed those around him who had given him the authority and power to heal. The apostles did not emphasize what they could do but what God could do through them.
Jesus' name is not to be used as if it were magic - it must be used in faith. When we pray in Jesus' name, we must remember that it is Christ Himself, not merely the sound of His name, who gives our prayers their power.
God's Promise:
Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.
Jeremiah 10:6
Big T's Thought To Ponder:
The power of Jesus Christ is real, it is plentiful and it is available today to all those who believe -at this very moment He is healing the sick; bringing sight to the blind; providing for the poor; finding the lost; guiding His flock; listening and answering our prayers and loving the unlovable.
As I internalized the thought of the power in His name, that song rang in my head, "Jesus messiah... name above all names... blessed redeemer... Immanuel...
All Jesus' names are powerful and independently beautiful; God With Us... Redeemer - King of Kings - Prince of Peace - Bread of Life - Lamb of God - Deliverer - Messiah - Alpha & Omega - Chief Cornerstone - Creator - First & Last - Holy One - I AM - Rock - Holy One - Living Water - Immanuel - Lord or Lords - Jehovah - Almighty One - Good Shepherd - Savior...
My pastor is big into genealogy and etymology - every time there is a new baby dedication at our church, part of this special celebration is pastor sharing with the parents and congregation the actual meaning of the child's first and sometime middle name(s).
A persons name is their identity. Protecting and defending a good name, or living up to one's name are still meaningful concepts in today's world. A persons name can represent their reputation, their family, their business and/or their legacy. In some cultures today, a persons name is the most valued thing they own and it can be dishonorable when their name is tarnished.
Jesus Christ has given Christians that right and authority to use His name - basically we have been given "the power of attorney". Legally, power of attorney is the authority to act in another persons behalf, at another persons request. It is authorization given by one person (Jesus), permitting another (Christians), to take action on His (Jesus Christ's), behalf.
"Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24
"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it". John 14:13-14
The name of Jesus Christ Carries Power, Authority and Distinction!
The name Jesus Christ is not a magic word, the power is not even in saying words - but by understanding that it represents His finished work on the cross; God's divine plan for redemption, salvation and complete bondage conquering victory over satin, self, sin and death.
It is through this name, Jesus Christ and this name alone, that we can claim our adoption and position In Christ - standing with authority before the deceiver of this world, both free and victorious In Our Risen Savior.
"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.". 1 John 5:13
