A Genuine Relationship

¹³ 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 the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.”¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Acts 19:13-16

In Ephesus, God was doing amazing miracles through Paul. Handkerchiefs and pieces of clothing touched by Paul would be sent out to the sick as relics of healing. As a result, Paul was widely known within the early churches as a healer and teacher. The only reason why Paul was able to perform healing and miracles was because he knew God and knew that He was the source of it. It was the relationship Paul had with God that gave him these super natural powers. Catching a glimpse of what Paul was doing, a few Jews went around exorcising the evil spirits with the name of Jesus. These imposters did not know Christ, but still used His name to drive out demons like it was a formula to get what they want. As a result they received "such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding" - LOL serves them right...

Not that I want to go around driving out demons, but God is telling me through this verse is to check my heart. Even satan believes in Jesus, but rather is in rebellion. Satan recognizes the dangers of someone who is in tuned with Christ. I've heard stories about how it takes a personal relationship with Jesus to be able to cast out demons in his name. It was the countless hours of prayer and fasting that really affected how God worked through them. It definitely was not some formula like a incantation of a magic spell... To know Christ is to put fear into the enemy. I want to be a warrior for Christ that can I make the gates of hell shake. I want to be in tuned with Jesus so that satan fears God through me. I want to quit being an imposter...

Jesus forgive me for being an imposter. I want me heart to be blazed for you. Like how satan feared Paul, I too want Satan to fear me. Help me to shake the gates of hell by having a closer relationship with you. Let your desires be mine

In Jesus Name Amen.