Name Above All Names

“Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now, you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” ---John 16:23,24

The disciples knew Jesus three years and watched Him do wonderful and mighty acts. As long as Jesus was with them, they were learning how the Kingdom of God changed lives, and watched Jesus use power and authority over sickness, disease, and the devil. They were even given a measure of power when they were sent two-by-two to minister to the villages and realized that they, too, were empowered to do what Jesus did. (Mark 10:1-2) These men were given authority to “preach, saying ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.”

As time was drawing near to the crucifixion, Jesus wanted to “wean” His disciples from depending on Him and to realize that they will be empowered with the Holy Spirit in the future through His baptism in Jerusalem. He said in John 16:23 “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” With the understanding that there was to be power in the name of Jesus, disciples received the 3rd Key of the Kingdom, “The Name of Jesus.”

Once the new Church experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on Pentecost, because they were bolder and confident, they began doing things they never thought was possible. Let’s look at Peter and John walking up to the synagogue in Acts 3:1-10. I have no doubt that Jesus walked past this lame man at the gate called Beautiful on many occasions without ministering to him. But now, Peter and John, full of the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing they can use the name of Jesus saw this poor beggar with new eyes. “Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” (Acts 3:6-7)

Everyone was astonished that this man, who had been begging for his entire life, was dancing around, leaping and praising God. This drew a crowd and Peter took the opportunity to preach! This is not the same Peter that denied Jesus at His crucifixion. This was the Peter that received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and now used the name of Jesus. Let’s look at a portion of what he told these inquisitive bystanders. “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts3:16)

The name of Jesus has not lost its power over time. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 1:8) When we know that we are in Covenant with God and He with us (Key #1) and when we are empowered with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Key #2), when we use the name of Jesus (Key #3) all of Heaven stands at attention and is at the ready for action. Phil. 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 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."

Confession: I am convinced that there is power in the name of Jesus. I will use His name with confidence knowing that God has given me the permission and authority to use the name of Jesus to advance the Kingdom and to exert my dominion over sickness, disease and the devil.