Unauthorized exorcism
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 Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out. (Acts 19:13, NIV).
The disciples of Jesus received certain instructions from Him when He was about returning to heaven. He told them to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. According to Him, whosoever believes shall be saved. He went further to say that …these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues…” (Mk. 16:15-18).
From the above scriptures, Jesus made it clear that, to be saved, one must hear the gospel and believe it to become a believer. He explained further that when one believes, certain signs shall follow him which we saw earlier. So there is a place of submitting to the Lord before the signs are experienced. Some Jews in Ephesus did not follow this divine protocol. They tried to cast out certain demons without accepting Jesus and believing in Him. They wanted to use His name but they neither identified with Him nor with His church in Ephesus.
The city Ephesus was a centre of spiritism, exorcism and magic. Many Ephesians were experts in the use of diabolical powers. So they were actually influenced and manipulated by the powers of darkness. That informed the tone of Paul’s letter to them. His epistle to them was constantly talking about principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual wickedness, and so on (For example, see Eph. 6:12, 5:11, 1:21).
When those Jews tried to cast out that evil spirit, the demon detected that there was a missing link between them and Jesus. He attacked and overpowered them with such violence that they fled from the house naked and badly injured. Think about it; if people who were not Christians should cast out an evil spirit successfully, becoming a true Christian was unnecessary. The event served as a great lesson. And as a result, a solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honoured.
So what followed? People who were not truly saved, but claimed they were, quickly amended their ways. Those who were still involved in secret magical and idolatrous practices also confessed their insincerity and got totally dedicated to the Lord. Friend, the need to serve the Lord wholeheartedly cannot be overemphasized today. We cannot afford to draw close to God with our mouths while our hearts are far away from Him. And mind you, unchristian elements who use the name of Jesus as a cover-up will be exposed sooner or later. I pray; may we receive the grace to serve the Lord with total surrender. In Jesus name!
Today’s corporate prayer: O Lord, deliver me from every entanglement with elements of darkness. In the mighty name of Jesus!
Feel free to share.
You can reach us: gracetodayforyou@gmail.com or +2348022958163
Grace Today….daily connection to God’s grace
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Proverbs 13
Also Read: Modern hypocrisy
graceforyoutoday@gmail.com
OLUWAGBENRO BLESSED is a writer, musician, an evangelist, a teacher and student of the Bible. He, alongside his wife Nike, coordinates the GraceToday Foundation. Together with their team, they reach out to millions of souls everyday via various social network platforms with God’s words of grace, healing and restoration. Lots of testimonies are being received to God’s glory.
