DAY 12: There’s Power in the Name of Jesus: Deliverance

There is a force so immense or significant in its power that it triumphs over any problem, any trial and any situation. Demons flee from it, disease cannot remain in the face of it, lack and fear dissipate before it, and every darkness is instantly shattered by it. The power and authority of the Name of Jesus rightfully belongs to you as a born–again Christian, and He expects you to use it. The moment we believed on Jesus Christ; we did not only receive forgiveness—we received power.

In the Savior’s name, we can make requests to the Father, but we must agree with His purposes. This means aligning our prayers with His character and will, as so making His work the priority; not ours. We can learn to pray in accordance with God’s plan by abiding in His Word and letting it influence our thoughts. The power that is ours in the gift of holy spirit enables us to continue showing an unbelieving world the same works which Jesus did and greater. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” John 14:12 (NKJV).

In the name of Jesus Christ, we have received eternal life, freedom from sin, and all of God’s blessings, divine benefits and unmerited favor. the power imparted to us is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand. “And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” Ephesians 1:19–20 (NKJV). Although, the greatest power, with no authority to use it, remains dormant power, essentially neutralized. We have been given the authority, and our authority lies in our right to use the name of Jesus Christ. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” Amen” Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV).

In the name of Jesus Christ allows us to be more than sufficient to bring renewed life to all who call upon His name. And as Christians, we continue to depend upon that name, knowing that each prayer we pray is based upon the merits of that name. There are many another vital reason why the name of Jesus Christ should be precious to us: we have been called to take his place in this world. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NKJV).

When God’s people are open to the power of Jesus’ name, they join the Lord’s fight for freedom and become a powerful force for God’s kingdom. They become an army that loves people through loneliness, smashes bottles of addiction, celebrates racial diversity instead of attacks it, and provides for those in need. They will beat their weapons of mass destruction into plowshares, their guns into pruning hooks, and they will study war no more. “He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” Isaiah 2:4 (NKJV). This may sound impossible, but there is wonder-working power in the name of Jesus.

Evil surrounds us in this world. Evil has been running amuck since Eve visited a certain tree in the Garden of Eden. Evil and the people who perpetrate it constantly threaten God’s people. The threat is physical. And the threat is spiritual. We call on the name of Jesus to powerfully equip us in every good work as we journey heavenward. And when eternity arrives, every single knee will bow and acknowledge the powerful name of Jesus. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:10–11 (NKJV).

Prayer is an essential component in our relationship with the Lord. Sometimes we pray in private and at times ask others to pray with us for encouragement and agreement. Scripture reminds us of the importance of calling upon the Lord for deliverance. “And it shall come to pass; That whoever calls on the name of the Lord; Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord call” Joel 2:32 (NKJV).

God calls us to live free from sin that "so easily entangles". As Christians, we are promised power and strength when we call upon God to deliver us from spiritual attacks and Satan's schemes to bind us; whether to an addiction, emotion, thought, relationship, finances, or other strongholds. “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness; And rivers in the desert” Isaiah 43:18–19 (NKJV).

There is also a long–standing or persistent prayer tradition in the church of sitting still, breathing slowly, and repeating the name of Jesus with each exhale. This practice lends to the sacredness of Christ’s holy name and the need for its saving power in the life of the individual and the world. I know this sounds simple and repetitive, but it is very powerful. Perhaps this is a practice we take up because we believe that Jesus is alive and actively renewing creation. May we call upon him daily and join in His good work.

Since human history began, Jesus has been in the business of overcoming trials and temptations in the lives of His people. He is more than able to overcome these in your life. “The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass; That whoever calls on the name of the Lord; Shall be saved” Acts 2:20–21 (NKJV). “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4–5 (NKJV). “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NKJV).