In His Name There is Power

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. (Matthew 12:20-22)

Matthew stated that even the Gentiles, those outside the covenant of Abraham, would trust in Jesus’ name. That means you and I — grafted into God's family — have full access to this power and authority. This is a prophetic fulfillment (Isaiah 42:1–4). Jesus' authority would extend beyond a specific people group to encompass the nations. The following verses in the Gospel of Matthew show His authority in action. Jesus met a man possessed, blind, and mute. If only one of those were an ailment, it would seem impossible to heal, but this was a problem that was bigger than anyone expected to be healed.

Matthew matter-of-factly wrote that when this impossible situation was brought to Jesus, Jesus healed him. Remember, Jesus' name is not a title or a theological expression. His name is His character and His authority, and it brings deliverance, healing, and restoration to whatever comes face-to-face with it. What men could not solve, His name resolved instantly.

Religious tradition often tries to reduce miracles to formulas, rituals, or man-made rules. But faith in His name releases the power of God's Kingdom. It brings Heaven's atmosphere into earthly or even hellish situations. The power of the kingdom is not reserved for a select few. Jesus gave us the authority to use His name to heal the broken, restore the blind, and silence demons. His name opens kingdom doors.

Practical Application

It's important to guard ourselves against substitutes. Religion often puts sacred cows in front of us and tells us that following their program, their direction, and performing as they want is the way to get results. However, it is in Jesus's character and authority that we find the results we need.

Romans 15:12; Exodus 23:21