Some people are famous for being famous. Others for their accomplishments. Many for their families. Paris Hilton would be just another skinny pretty blond except that she is a Hilton. Her family name gives her not only money, but some authority, especially to buy things like a pink Bentley. The advantages of being a wealthy, powerful Hilton are far-reaching. If an earthly name carries so much weight, what then can be accomplished with the name of God?
If we are God's children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8) We are the adopted children of God. We are beloved, covered with a shield of favor, remember? We inherit all that Jesus inherits. "Until now," Jesus said, "you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you shall receive so that your joy may be full". (John 16). The Father wants joyful kids who can come freely to Him to ask anything of Him. He wants to thrill us. You can throw His name around if you belong to Him....just make sure you are His kid.
What happens when someone just uses the name. An imposter? What if, for your own benefit or fame, you pretend to be a child of God. I wouldn't do that if I were you. In Acts 19 there is a story of the kids of a local Jewish exorcist, Sceva, who thought they would use the Name to have a little fun with a demon possessed man. The man was huge and his size was useful to the demons who controlled him. These seven brothers who came upon him decided to try something new. They called out: "By the same Jesus that Paul talks about, I order you to come out!"
The evil spirit in the man yelled back at them: "I know about Jesus and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
The large man rushed the brothers, beat them all up, tearing off their clothes in the process. They ran for their lives, bloody and naked.
The name of the One Who made us is powerful. He has brought us into His family and given us the advantages that come with His Name. Revelation 3 tells us that one day, when we enter eternity as his sisters and brothers, Jesus will present us to the Father as "those who belong to Me." That is the most important part of knowing Him. That we are His. The family name rests on us as does the responsibility of carrying it well - and humbly. Once we know what it cost to bring us together with Christ, I doubt we will bandy the name around with aplomb. We are adopted. Chosen out of another family with a lesser title to be royalty. The very last book of the Bible tells us what we inherit. They will see His face, and His name will be written on their foreheads....and they will rule as royalty forever.
If we are God's children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8) We are the adopted children of God. We are beloved, covered with a shield of favor, remember? We inherit all that Jesus inherits. "Until now," Jesus said, "you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you shall receive so that your joy may be full". (John 16). The Father wants joyful kids who can come freely to Him to ask anything of Him. He wants to thrill us. You can throw His name around if you belong to Him....just make sure you are His kid.
What happens when someone just uses the name. An imposter? What if, for your own benefit or fame, you pretend to be a child of God. I wouldn't do that if I were you. In Acts 19 there is a story of the kids of a local Jewish exorcist, Sceva, who thought they would use the Name to have a little fun with a demon possessed man. The man was huge and his size was useful to the demons who controlled him. These seven brothers who came upon him decided to try something new. They called out: "By the same Jesus that Paul talks about, I order you to come out!"
The evil spirit in the man yelled back at them: "I know about Jesus and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
The large man rushed the brothers, beat them all up, tearing off their clothes in the process. They ran for their lives, bloody and naked.
The name of the One Who made us is powerful. He has brought us into His family and given us the advantages that come with His Name. Revelation 3 tells us that one day, when we enter eternity as his sisters and brothers, Jesus will present us to the Father as "those who belong to Me." That is the most important part of knowing Him. That we are His. The family name rests on us as does the responsibility of carrying it well - and humbly. Once we know what it cost to bring us together with Christ, I doubt we will bandy the name around with aplomb. We are adopted. Chosen out of another family with a lesser title to be royalty. The very last book of the Bible tells us what we inherit. They will see His face, and His name will be written on their foreheads....and they will rule as royalty forever.
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