DAILY DEVOTION

DAILY DEVOTION No. 20

WHAT IS IN A NAME

Acts 3:16 - ¹⁶By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUR NAME? Ask yourself: "If I did not have a name, how could I identify myself? If I had no name, who would I be?" In the Bible, many names said just what they meant. Names were more than just labels. Because a name was so much a part of a person, if you acted "in someone's name," you acted with their authority. That's why Mordecai could write a command in the name of King Ahasuerus and it became law (Esther 8:8-10). The use of another person’s name to declare legal rights is called the "power of attorney.”

The apostles and disciples in Jesus day always stated that their authority was in the name of Jesus. We see in the above scripture with the healing of the lame man at the Gate Beautiful that it was in the name of Jesus and the boldness of the Holy Spirit, that signs and wonders accompanied the Word spoken by the apostles and disciples.

When we employ His name in faith we can expect a manifestation of His might and glory. Inherent in the name of Jesus is not only the resource of His authority, but also the fullness of His person, His character and His kingly office.

Why can we confidently use Jesus’ name over the power of the enemy and over sickness?

i) Because God has given Him a name that is far above every other name – Phil 2:9-11. Everything in every realm must submit to His name;

ii) Because Jesus conquered Satan, sin and death, every demon, every principality, every power and every sickness is subject to His name! No matter what sickness ails you, or what giant you may be facing, they are all subject to the power of His name;

iii) Because there is salvation in no other name – Acts 4:12. We ask and receive in the name of Jesus because we are linked to Him; we have a life-union with Him. Jesus came to the world to find His bride. We have entered a life-union with Jesus - a marriage that God the Father has blessed.

Just like a bride takes on the name of the groom in any marriage, you have been joined to the Lord. Now every time we use the name of Jesus, we are expressing our relationship to Him. In living and acting in His name we are living and acting in His character.

When we pray in the name of Jesus we are declaring:

who He is to us
what He has done for us
that He lives as the head over our lives

We don’t use His name as some magical formula. When we love Him and have relationship with Him, the name of Jesus becomes to prayer as a signature is to a cheque - it validates it; it authorises it.

Challenge

Do you want to walk in a greater authority in God? Do you want God’s healing power to now be released in your life? Then start to understand and believe the fact that you have available to you unlimited power in the name of Jesus.

Prayer

Father, I thank You that in Your name I have healing and wholeness. Help me to see what is available to me in Your name and to use Your name as a strong and mighty tower.

Rod Best