When we know Jesus, and walk with Him, we experience this life differently. When Jesus was walking here on earth, God’s great power was continually demonstrated through Him. Miracles were happening daily.
The blind were receiving their sight.
The deaf could hear.
The lame could walk.
The sick were healed.
Needs were met and provision was made.
Stormy seas were calmed with a command.
Even death could not hold its power as life was restored!
While Jesus was still here on earth, he began predicting his own death and resurrection. Jesus also made sure that his followers understood that these acts of God were not going to be limited to Jesus alone. John 14:12-14 “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
After Jesus ascended into heaven, his followers – the apostles went out with the message of salvation. God’s healing power was with them as promised by Jesus their LORD and Savior. Acts 19:11-12 “God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.” Note: God gave Paul the power. The power was not Paul’s. Healing was not created by him, it was created through him.
This power of God was not given to all the people of this time, although many did benefit from it. This power was reserved for those that God appointed – those who knew Him, loved Him, served Him, trusted Him, believed in Him, had faith that He could and would move mountains. These folks had seen God move this way before. They were not merely following the way, they were living the way. All in. It is because of this intimacy with God they were used in such a mighty and miraculous way.
In Acts 19:13-16 we read: “A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the LORD Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one at a time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” Then the men with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowering them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled the house, naked and battered.”
What was different? These sons of Sceva did not really know the One in who’s name they were using. They were excited about the power found in Jesus’ name to cast out demons – yet they were more excited about having that power than having a relationship. Notice that even the evil spirit knew the name of Jesus. It knew the name of Paul. But there was little or no threat by these sons, because they were not all in with God. The result? Violence, humiliation, and an inability to perform what they had been hoping to do.
Their power was not enough.
Our power is not enough.
It never has been. It never will be.
Healing power is not what we do or have. It’s God’s. When God moves miraculously through our prayers, through the laying on of hands – whatever moves Him to heal – it is all about Him, and not at all about us. Yet we should not underestimate the power God plans to display through the lives of those (even today) who are all in!
God has not changed. His power has not diminished. He is still at work. He is still looking for those who are living for Him to use in powerful ways.
Blessings!