Have you noticed that no one uses the name ‘Charles Darwin’ as a swear word? No one asks for things in the name of Buddha. No one bats an eyelid if you start talking about Elvis Presley at a dinner party. These are all well known people whose ideas and movements still have a lot of power today but their names have nowhere near as much power as the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is still the most powerful name in the world.

When Peter and John are brought before Annas the High Priest and other big names they are asked: “By what power or name do you do this?”. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and tells them exactly whose power and name: Jesus! He tells his listeners straight up that “there is no other name under heaven... by which we must be saved.” His directness is awesome considering he’s speaking to the most powerful religious leaders in the land but he can’t help himself. He knows that these people need to hear the Gospel and even though they are the ones who put him to death. The priests think they can judge Peter and John but in fact the name of Jesus is the only thing that can save them from God’s righteous judgement.

The name of Jesus has just as much power to heal and save as ever. The name of Jesus will continue to cause division and scandal until he returns but this is only further proof of the power of his name. There is unfathomable power in the name of Jesus! DB

Questions

1. How many times a day do you think you would use the name of Jesus?

2. How can you encourage others to think about the power of the name of Jesus?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, sanctifier, thank you for Jesus and the power he has in my life. Help me to draw on the power of his name and share his goodness with those around me. May my whole life declare that salvation is found in no one else. Amen