Spooky
This last Sunday was Reformation Day. As it always is, it was also Halloween and the day before All Saints Day. It’s a crowded place in the calendar. So, because I won’t do a spooky sermon, I thought instead I would give you a spooky Bible study.
In Acts chapter 19 Paul enters into Ephesus. To say that it was a spiritual city is a bit of an understatement. Besides being the center for Artemis (Diana) worship in the Greek pantheon, it was also known for its wide assortment of mediums, diviners, oracles and exorcists. Into this culture Paul starts to preach and teach and over the course of two years God does extraordinary things through Paul. And, well, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so let’s just look at what happens starting in verse 13:
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.17 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.
After reading this I have three thoughts that are very important:
- Verse 15 is terrifying. “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” What a powerful reminder that the evil of this world should only be approached by Christ. Simply put if you encounter a/the devil, stand behind Jesus, not in front of Him. Jesus is recognized. May that forever be my salvation.
- May we always be quick to remember the power, majesty, authority and sanctity of Jesus name. The name of Jesus has power. To often in our society it is reduced to expression, curse, epitaph and even blasphemy. When you use His name, there will be judgement. Whether that is upon the demon or upon the invoker is a matter of faith.
- Finally, you see God using even this for the glory of His kingdom. It showed that God’s name is to be feared and respected. It also led to the conversion of many who practiced those arts.
You my friends are called to carry the name of Christ to the world. That is the great commission. Called upon properly, no weapon formed against you can prosper – Isaiah 54:17. As you go into the world, remember this is the name that said He would be with you always.
In short; this world is scary…but at the very name of our savior every storm is silenced and death is put to rest.
Know Jesus, Know peace my friends,
-Pastor Dan