Authority in his Name – 28 October 2021

Unperturbed by the impressive, armour and weapons worn by Goliath, the champion soldier of the Philistines, the young boy David from Israel, accepted the derogatory challenge to fight this three-metre-tall man. He approached the Philistine in his shepherd’s clothing, with his staff, five smooth stones from the stream, and his sling in his hand. David’s response to Goliath’s mocking and swearing was a powerful declaration of who was at his side: “… I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45) David knew: God’s name had authority. The fight already belonged to the Lord; He would surrender the enemy in David’s hand and the entire world would know that there was a God in Israel.

The authority of God’s name will never change. Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus drew the disciples’ attention to the trustworthy relationship that would be established between the Father and believers after his death – direct access to his name: “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:23-24) Jesus, our High Priest, opened a new road to the throne room of the one God by his blood for every man. His resurrection from the dead had also devoured the power of death and of Hades! (Revelation 1:18) Therefore, he alone can say, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)

And this truth, dear reader, equips every believer to carry out Jesus’ Great Commission to tell others the Good News and make them disciples for the kingdom. With his Father’s authority, Jesus handed over the “Go Tell” relay-race baton to us all including you and me. Our command? Make disciples of all nations: “… baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19) As the Source of power and authority, he guarantees his presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Do you agree that every single name of the Godhead is indelibly expressed in godly deeds? He embodies his names. He embodies his works. He embodies his promises. He is who he says he is. Therefore, do not fret or fear that your faith is built on fragile foundations, or that the promise of the Word is written in drifting sand. The Godhead is the Eternal Truth and cannot lie.

David believed and confessed that God is who he says he is, and it is from this viewpoint that he resisted or took hold of any Goliath in his life. In whose name do you resist or take hold of the enemy? Do you resist at all?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your name represents your authority. In your powerful name, enable me to be an effective, worthy and faithful “Go” worker in your kingdom. Amen