“When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.[c] 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.21 After all this had happened, Paul decided[d] to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.” Acts 19.17-22
If you believe what the Bible says, and not everyone does, even some of those within the church do not — you can’t deny the fact that there is one name above every other name. One name which rescues us from death, one name which saves us from our sin, one name which defeats the demons, one name which brings life to dry bones. “It is at the name of Jesus that every tongue must confess and knee shall bow that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
My starting premise is that the Bible is true and that what it says is not mythical or a misprint. The Bible is God’s fully inspired Word given by his Spirit to his people. And so when those in Ephesus, who had been attempting to cast out demons in Jesus name — without knowing Jesus — and it didn’t work, this was on them, not on the name. The Name holds power and those who had attempted to use the name falsely, “were seized with fear,” and as a result — “the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” Many people came and believed, confessed turned from idols by burning scrolls of sorcery, and thus the “word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
The name of Jesus is the name of power. It is the name of authority. For those who trust in the name, who know and love Jesus, this name means everything. We never use the name of Jesus in vain, we do not use it flippantly— we honor and worship the One who holds this name — Jesus, “the God who saves.”
I’ve shared this before but there was a Sunday School class in a non-biblical church who would not say Jesus’ name, not out of respect but out of disrespect. They word refer to his name as the “J” word. In doing so, even they, who were apostate, who did not believe — recognized the power in this name. (I pray for them that God might forgive them for their blatant disregard of God’s Son our Savior.)
On a positive note, all who call on Jesus’ name will be saved! We can come to the cross with boldness, putting our hope and faith in Christ. We have the ability to share his Good News to the whole world — bring faith and hope to all people. We have the authority to use the name of Jesus to heal, to bless, to praise and to set people free from sin and shame.
The name of Jesus is THE NAME. Why not call upon this name today? Perhaps you might begin by praying the Jesus Prayer dozens of times today, “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner.” And wait and see what Jesus does in response to your belief!
“O Lord God, its a Spring day in the Texas Hill Country. The bluebonnets are still in bloom, the sun is trying to peak over the clouds, the wind is blowing and the breeze is cool. And you are still present in this world. Even when the chaos seems overwhelming, when the darkness closes in, we call out to your name. Come Lord Jesus, fill us with your power and love. Allow us to walk in step with your Spirit and be your hands, feet and mouth piece. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen