“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10)
Dear People Who Keep Company with God,
Angels, men, and demons must bow at the name of Jesus. We share this most excellent name, the same name God gave to us. We’ve experienced the authority and power available in His name, but, so far, we have only touched the fringes of the glory that the Father has placed in His name. It hasn’t always been like that. Right away, the early church understood the significance of His name. Acts chapter 3 tells the story of Peter and John going to the temple to pray and meeting a disabled beggar. He was 40 years old and was born crippled. Peter commanded, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6) The power of God hit him, and he leaped to his feet, whole. People gathered in amazement and wanted to know what happened to him. Peter told them, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know” (Acts 3:16). Peter and John were arrested, and after some questioning, the religious leaders commanded them “not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Religious spirits gravely fear His name. After Peter and John had been released, they gathered together with friends. They prayed that signs and wonders might be done in the name of Jesus. And heaven responded! “The place where they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
We struggle with understanding and using His name because we lack revelation on what we already have in Christ. But, the Scriptures are emphatic we have a right to His name. First and foremost, you’re born into the family of God. When you were born or adopted into your natural family, you were given their family name. It became yours by birthright. Likewise, when you are born again, the name of Christ became yours by birthright. “You are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:7). Through the act of baptism, you’re immersed into the “name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). “Into the name” means “into the service of” or “into ownership of.” You’re united into the fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is a physical picture of the spiritual truth that you have become a part of God’s family and have His name. The name is conferred upon you by Jesus. It is like the legal arrangement known as a power of attorney. With a power of attorney, one person may represent another in their absence. They act on their behalf. Jesus gave you unlimited and general power of attorney in all matters and with the right to use His name in every situation. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). You’re commissioned to use His name to do all the works Jesus did. “And these signs will follow those who believe: “In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues. They will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18). Your commission is activated by faith and powered by love. His name is always to be used under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
May the Holy Spirit make His name real in our hearts.
Many Blessings, BW