Jesus: Heaven’s Royal Endorsement
And the Seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name. Luke 10:17. The name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth functions as a spiritual decree; it was never given to the believer to be exercised as a charm or incantation.
It is essential in our lives as believers that we gain the revelation that when we use the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we express the legal authority given to those who live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Just as in the natural realm, a royal decree carries the weight and government of the king’s seal, so too in the spiritual sphere, the believer’s command carries Heaven’s endorsement when spoken in faith under His authority.
This is important; we need to understand that before the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus, the disciples discovered that His name carried power over unseen forces. And the Seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name. And Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20.
The disciples’ joy overflowed because they had witnessed at first hand how evil forces have to submit to divine authority. This is of tremendous importance; we must understand that Jesus’ response is a timely reminder that authority must remain rooted in relationship.
The power of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth is not a tool for spiritual pride, but a sign of our covenant position. To use His name rightly, we must remain submitted to the one it represents. This must become a revelation in our lives that Authority without intimacy becomes presumption, but authority born of fellowship becomes victory.
We have a classic example of the danger of trying to act without a personal revelation of having a relationship firmly established in Jesus Christ. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus. And fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Acts 19:17.
The events in Ephesus, including false exorcists attempting to wield Jesus’ name without knowing Him, serve as a warning and a revelation. When the sons of Sceva misused the name, the demonic realm retaliated, proving that the power of Jesus’ name cannot be imitated or borrowed. Yet the aftermath brought a great revival of reverence. The name of the Lord Jesus Christ was magnified.
When the multitudes saw that the name of Jesus Christ was not a formula, but a living authority, fear and repentance followed. Even today, when the true power of that name is demonstrated in holiness, humility, and faith, entire communities can be shaken by the reality that Jesus Christ is Lord.
We must never take lightly the closing endorsement that Jesus declared: And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17-18.
Jesus made it perfectly clear that His authority would continue through His followers. Here is a revelation that we need to embrace in our lives: signs do not create faith; they follow it. The promise in my name ensures continuity. The same authority that Jesus exercised over sickness and sin, would be delegated to the believing church. The phrase them that believe establishes the condition. Faith is the conduit. Power without faith is presumption. Faith without His name is powerless; together they manifest the kingdom.