Scripture Passage
“I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15 NLT)
Observation
The story of the seven sons of Sceva is just plain funny. Sceva was a Jewish priest whose sons were traveling from town to town with a group of Jews casting out evil spirits. Because 21st century Americans generally minimize the possibility of any real impact from ongoing activity in the spiritual realm, the seriousness of their task is probably lost on us. But their contemporaries in the first century understood its significance full well! Spirits—both good and evil—were perceived to be everywhere, and had to be addressed by any and every means.
Trouble is, these seven sons were practicing a sort of “second hand” exorcism. They would command spirits “in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” (Acts 19:13 NLT) Specifically, Luke says, “They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation” (Acts 19:13 NLT). It’s clear from Luke’s description of their activities that they saw declaring the name of Jesus as something of a “magic charm.”
But torn from the context of relationship—the believer’s relationship of submission to Christ—prayers in the name of Jesus hold no more power than prayers in the name of anyone else. It is only under His authority that we find the authority to speak in His name and accomplish His works. That’s something these seven sons found out the hard way. Because “one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?’ [Can’t you just imagine the surprise and confusion on their faces?] Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered” (Acts 19:15-16 NLT).
But here’s the deal: We live in that relationship of submission to Christ that these men lacked (at least, I trust we do). So as sadly laughable as it may be that the seven sons of Sceva took a beating, it’s at least as sadly laughable that we—the people of God—fail so regularly to live in ways that reflect Christ’s power over evil—both the evil in our lives and the evil spirits that impact the lives of others. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12 NLT). I guess until that’s reflected a little more fully in my life, the joke’s on me.
***
1 comment:
I wondered if they change their ways after this happen to them. I can just see thier faces when the evil spirit jump on them. Like it says in the Bible we can do nothing without God and their was one instance in the bible where Jesus said that this could only come about thru much prayer and fasting. I thank God He answers prayer and lets me know I can do nothing without Him and I know without Him I can do nothing I fall flat on my face Glory to God.
Post a Comment