13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16 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. ~ Acts 19:13-16
We always hear that Jesus is for everybody, but is that true? People had heard the reports of the healings, the exorcisms, the mighty signs, and wonders that were being performed simply by invoking the Name of Jesus. So, these boys, sons of a certain Jewish chief priest, tried this. It apparently worked for them for a while, until one day, they ran into a powerful and obstinate evil spirit. They knew the name but did not have a relationship with the person to whom the name belonged. Therefore, they were not covered by the Blood of Jesus and took a severe beating on account of it.
The name was not given to them for use; it was given to Christian believers. It was given and still is given to Christ-followers because only the redeemed of the LORD has been given the authority to use the name of Jesus by which we have been redeemed. So, no, the name of Jesus isn’t just for everyone, but it is for everyone who believes and follows Him. Why does this matter? Because only Christ-followers have been redeemed from sin, washed in the blood, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Only Christ-Followers have been given the power and authority from God Himself. It’s all about a relationship with God. Do you know Him, and does He know you?
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Don’t Be A Son of Sceva.
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