Scripture
Acts 19:13-15-“A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, 'I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!' Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, 'I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?'"
Observation
These Jews were professing the name of Jesus. How intimately they knew Him comes into question though when the demon calls them out, “I know Jesus and I know Paul, but who the hell are you?”
Application
I remember numerous times while gigging with a band called 3+ that bouncers and promoters wouldn’t let me in cause they thought that I was just some dude trying to sneak into the venue. I never really blamed them since I was the only one in the band who wasn’t 6 feet tall and over 300lbs (thus the band name 3+!). Nothing about me, save for the snare and cymbal bag I was carrying, would even lend them to think that I was a part of the band even though I was.
Comparatively, I wonder if when people see me do they see that I’m a part of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Or, do they see just another guy trying to get into the “club”.
Do I do the same thing as these seven sons of Sceva and priest? Claim the name of Jesus yet nothing about me is recognizable in terms of being in His image and His likeness? I’m good and saying the right things and accomplishing the right tasks, but does the enemy recognize me as a prized warrior for the Kingdom? I must do a better job of not only claiming Jesus but imitating Him. I need to assimilate not only my actions but my heart to Him. That takes a lot of intentionality and effort, but 3 simple things I can do right now are:
- Stay in his word. When we are in the Word we begin to think as he thinks and act as He acts.
- Abstain from foolishness. Fancy words to say stop trying to be cool. I have a tendency to be loose with my lips, and as the Proverb says loose tongues lead to destruction. I venture to say silliness and playfulness are okay, but I too often cross the line into foolishness.
- Check my heart. So cliché, but so real. I need to constantly recalibrate to Christ, not to popular opinion, not to people please, not to what the influencers are saying to do. In order to be clearly associated with the King of Kings, I need to stay close to His side.
Prayer
Jesus, I pray the answer to the lyrics of this classic Joy Williams song is a resounding yes!
Do they see Jesus in me
Do they recognize Your face
Do I communicate Your love
And Your grace
Do I reflect who You are
In the way I choose to be
Do they see Jesus
Jesus in me
