In the Name of Jesus
Thursday, June 13
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-20)
We shouldn't just give thanks to God the Father. We are to thank Him for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. What does Paul mean?
The name of Jesus is such a strong theme in the New Testament that isn't talked about that much. We pray in Jesus' name but we don't fully understand the power behind it. Lawyers should know better. The power of a name is directly related to the one who bears it. When you are acting in the name of a king, for example, it means you are representing the king. The king's name is as powerful as the king. Because the name of the king and the king are one.
Jesus said in John 14:13-14: "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" John 16:26, "Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf." This alone teaches us a lot about the power in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am not saying I will ask the Father in your behalf." That's not what it means to ask or give thanks in Jesus' name. What it means is that when we ask or give thanks in His name, in God's sight, it is as if it is Jesus Himself asking or thanking Him.
Doing the Word
Intentionally put your trust in the name of Jesus Christ
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank You for the power You've invested in the name of Your Son. O Lord, open my eyes to see the power that name commands. In Jesus' name, Amen.