At The Mention Of His Name

When we understand the authority of Christ, we will see things differently. Unfortunately, many of us have suffered at the hands of those who have misused or abused their authority be it teachers, a boss or parent. When we come into the Christian life, we tend to carry our negative experiences of authority into our relationship with Christ. This hinders our effectiveness and maturity as a believer.

We read of a Roman centurion who sought out Jesus to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-10). Jesus was willing to visit the servant, but the centurion only asked Jesus to speak a word and it will be enough. The centurion explained that he was a man given authority and a man under authority. This Roman understood his limited authority while acknowledging Christ's supreme authority above all other governing powers. It says Jesus was astonished by the man's faith (verse 10).

I believe the centurion understood something that is essential as believers when it comes to the answer of prayer. We can pray mighty prayers and quote powerful Scriptures, yet fail to see any results because we refuse to submit to God's Word as the final authority to govern our lives.

God has given us authority through Christ, but there remains an intense battle of the will that often refuses to be submitted to the Holy Spirit in how we conduct our lives.

Has God asked you bring those memories into submission to His Word? Has He required you to forgive your co-worker? Has He pointed to an area of your life regarding the way you talk about people with disdain? Bring it under the lordship of Christ. Let Him rule over those areas that want to rebel and resist.

At the mention of His name, the name above all other names, is the authority to cause storms to cease, demons to flee and sickness to depart, when we bow our knees and heart in humble submission.