We’d stared into the face of Death, and Death blinked first. You’d think that would make us feel brave and invincible. It didn’t. —Rick Yancey, The 5th Wave
Demons are invisible, but they aren’t invincible. So, how do we defeat them? Is there a formula?
In Acts 19, Luke tells us that many were convinced that a simple phrase was the secret. They’d go around town saying, “In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out” (Acts 19:13). One day, seven sons of a Jewish high priest were doing just this when an evil spirit answered them:
“Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 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 19:15-16, emphasis mine)
Their formula didn’t add up quite right, did it?
Knowing someone who knows someone who knows Jesus does not grant you immediate access to the authority of Jesus. If you aren’t in Christ—if you yourself aren’t indwelt by the Spirit of Jesus, who is all authority—then demonic bullies are stronger and smarter than you. You can throw Jesus’ name out there, but it won’t make a bit of a difference.
The right question isn’t, “What would Jesus do so I can replicate it?” Power and authority isn’t a formula. It’s a presence.
So, let’s scrap “What would Jesus do?” and replace it with “What will Jesus do?”
Ah, since you asked, let me answer. What Jesus did on earth then, He’ll do on earth now through the power of His indwelling Spirit who resides in all believers.
With you in Christ and Christ in you, there resides in you a greater strength; and in the presence of that strength, demons become wimps.
You are a child of God, filled with His Spirit. As a result, all power and authority keep you. Walk like it.
Jesus, the Image of the Invisible God, thank You for giving me direct access. Such intimacy makes me brave. Amen.