AT THE NAME OF JESUS
“It is His name, and trust in this name, that has strengthened the limbs of this man whom you see and know well.”–Acts 3:16
The name of Jesus has ultimate power. In Jesus’ name, the lame walk (Acts 3:6ff). At the name of Jesus, every knee must bow, in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth (Phil 2:10-11). “There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12).
No wonder the secular world removes pictures of Jesus from its schools and workplaces and refuses to allow the name of Jesus to be mentioned. The secular culture forbids prayer in its institutions. No one is to even mention the name of Jesus, under penalty of sanction or even termination of employment. Like the leaders of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the culture makes “it clear that under no circumstances [is anyone] to speak the name of Jesus or teach about Him” (Acts 4:18).
The world cannot share power with Jesus, for it despises Jesus as a rival master (see Mt 6:24), and no one can have two masters. One or the other must go, Jesus or the world. Therefore, reject the world, the flesh, and the devil from your life, and enthrone Jesus as your Lord and Master. Speak His powerful name publicly. Citizens of a lost, broken, and hurting world act out of ignorance (Acts 3:17) and instinctively reject Jesus for fear of losing power. Nonetheless, these people desperately need to hear the Good News Jesus brings. Proclaim the name of Jesus, which leads all to salvation (Acts 4:12).
PRAYER: Jesus, make it second nature for Your name to spring to my lips in all circumstances.
PROMISE: “May a season of refreshment be granted you by the Lord when He sends you Jesus.” –Acts 3:20
PRAISE: Praise the risen Jesus, Who has conquered our fear and timidity!
