The Power That Prevails: Day Three
Day 3: You Can't Use Jesus - Only Be Used by Him
Devotional
Seven sons of Sceva thought they had discovered a powerful formula. They had witnessed Paul casting out demons in Jesus' name, so they decided to try it themselves. "In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out!" they declared. But the demon's response was chilling: "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" The evil spirit then violently overpowered them. These men wanted the power of Jesus without the lordship of Jesus. They wanted to use His name without submitting to Him. They treated Jesus like a magic charm rather than recognizing Him as the living God who demands our surrender. This is a temptation we all face. We want Jesus to improve our circumstances, fix our problems, and bless our plans - but on our terms. We want to use His power for our purposes rather than surrendering our purposes to His will. But Jesus cannot be manipulated or controlled. His name isn't a formula to be recited; it's the authority of the living God that belongs only to those who truly belong to Him. The forces of darkness know exactly who has a genuine relationship with Christ and who is merely trying to borrow His power. True power comes not from using Jesus, but from being transformed by Jesus. It's not about getting Him to serve your agenda, but about surrendering your agenda to serve His kingdom.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 7:21
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life are you trying to use Jesus for your own purposes rather than surrendering those areas to His lordship?
“You can't use Jesus. You can only be used by Jesus.
You can't control him. You must surrender to Him.” - Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for the times I've tried to use You rather than surrender to You. Help me recognize where I'm seeking Your power without submitting to Your lordship. I choose to surrender my agenda to Yours today. Amen.