But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”
Acts 19:13-15 (NASB)
We often watch “Long Lost Family” – a documentary series that reunites long-lost family members; children with parents, unknown siblings, and other family members. There is a point when you see the two parties either in photographs or in the flesh, and the resemblance is unmistakable. It has been said of me that the more I age I grow more like my dad, and having seen photographic evidence I cannot deny the truth of it. In today’s scripture, we find a case where there was no resemblance; that is of fake preachers who proclaimed power in the name of Jesus.
In those mentioned in the TV show, there was a blood connection. If we as Christians are to resemble our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there must be a blood connection between us. His blood shed on Calvary’s Cross covers the repentant sinner in the Royal cloak of forgiveness, adopting them into God’s family. In this we have Christ’s presence and the marks of the Holy Spirit – these the enemy of God recognizes in God’s children when they serve Him.
Dear Reader, there are many false prophets and preachers today who proclaim God’s name or His Son Jesus, but they do not know God or His Son personally. These folk will meet a terrible end, like those in the Scripture story today because they have no Holy resemblance to Christ. Do you know Him personally, resembling Him before those you meet each day?
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
Comments are closed.