The name of Jesus is not a magic formula

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole" (Acts 4:10).

There's a song that I love to sing about the name of Jesus that goes like this: "Jesus your name is power…Jesus your name is might…Jesus your name will break every strong hold…Jesus your name is life." Oh how I love that name. It is the name that is above all names. Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Sadly, there are many today who tag on the name of Jesus at the end of a prayer and use it like a magician wielding a magic wand saying, "abracadabra". When we pray in his name we are not just standing on his authority. When we pray in the name of Jesus we are seeking his authorization, approval and acclaim (glory). The name of Jesus should not even be spoken by us unless our ultimate desire is to bring glory to His worthy name. James wrote, "Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" (James 2:7). The name of Jesus is not a magic formula for us to get what we want from God. The name of Jesus should bring us to our knees in worship, submission and adoration. When we speak it in praise or in prayer may it cause us to ask ourselves, "Am I living my life in a way that brings honor to the worthy name of Jesus." Glory to His name!