There are a number of notable persons in Scripture who had a
special relationship with God. Abraham
was a friend of God. David was a man
after God’s own heart. God made known
His ways to Moses. God commended his
servant, Job, to Satan. The Book of Hebrews
recounts a veritable Hall of Heroes of Faith.
But of none of them is it said, as Paul said of his situation, “but we are well known to God” (II
Corinthians 5:11b).
Of course, Jesus had an unquestioned and intimate
relationship with the Father as exemplified by the Father’s words of
commendation at Jesus’ baptism, “This is
My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
But, again, Paul’s words, “but we are well known to God” are remarkable in that they are
almost “throw away words”, “words spoken
on the way to saying something more important.
Next to having a reputation with God, it probably serves a
purpose to be well-known in hell—Paul was.
This fact was announced to the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, who
attempted exorcism over persons who had evil spirits by saying, “We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul
preaches” (Acts 19:13, 14). “And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus
I know, and Paul I know; but who are you’” (Acts 19:15)?
Insult was followed by injury when “the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them,
and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and
wounded. This became known both to all
Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of
the Lord Jesus was magnified” (Acts 19:16, 17).
Jesus cast out evil spirits and Paul did also as the
occasion required, resulting in glory being given to God.
Don’t you suppose there are persons out of whom evil spirits
need to be cast this day?
Undoubtedly. And they are to be
cast out in the same way the seven sons of Sceva were unable to do it, “by the name of Jesus ” (Acts
19:13). But in the authority that
derives from a personal relationship with Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
There may be persons suffering, troubled, demonized waiting
the word of deliverance you can bring in the name and authority of Jesus with
the end result God will be glorified.
Before doing this simply make sure your relationship with
Jesus is up-to-date and then you will develop a reputation in hell.
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