““Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” Luke 9.49-50
Here’s the edited version with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and flow improved for clarity and impact:
This passage reminds me of the song “There Is Power in the Name of Jesus.” The song emphasizes the power to break chains, the power to defeat evil, the power to win the battle, and the power to cancel out the brokenness in our lives. It speaks of the power to save the lost and bring them to the foot of the cross.
Apparently, someone put two and two together. They heard about Jesus and His power to cast out demons. They understood that if Jesus had the ability to do this, then they might do the same by using the name of Jesus. And lo and behold, it worked! “Someone” (name not mentioned) was using the very name of Jesus to cast out demons. The disciples admitted they tried to stop this person because he was not one of them. But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
First, how amazing that this person put two and two together—realizing there was power in the name of Jesus. It must have taken a very insightful person, inspired most certainly by the Holy Spirit, to recognize the strength and authority of Jesus’ name. And so, the good he saw Jesus doing, this random person was also doing. He was using Jesus’ name to have success in something the disciples themselves had not been able to do (as we read earlier in this passage).
The power is in the NAME.
Second, why would we even try to do something on our own when the name of Jesus carries such power? Why attempt to do anything in our own name, on our own ability, or with our own strength? The Bible says the name of Jesus is the name above all names, and that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2).
We, like the disciples, should take authority and use the name—not for our own benefit, profit, or success, but so that the name might be glorified and Jesus might get credit for every good deed we do. When we are hurting, we call upon the name. When we are in sin, we confess the name. When we are weak—the name. When we are poor—the name. When we have nowhere else to turn, we must utilize the name of Jesus. It is the name—the only name—which can save.
I don’t know where you are today on your path with the Lord. Is God near and dear to you? Do you know and love the name of Jesus? Or is it time to return to the Lord, commit or recommit your life? Call upon the name. Do not wait one more day. For there is power in the name of Jesus, and He is waiting on you to call upon not just a name, but a Person—a God who loves you and will respond to your every need.
“O Lord God, I call upon the name of Jesus right now to save me. Come, Lord Jesus! Rescue me. Heal me. Strengthen me. Protect me. Help me be the person You have called me to be. I love You, Lord, and praise Your most holy name. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen