Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23
Does He know you?
Have you invited Him to know you?
This is a crucial part of our walk with Jesus. Inviting Him into our hearts, and then inviting Him to know us completely. We should all make certain that we are open to being known. It’s something that I make a habit of intentionally talking to God about on a regular basis. I long to be known, just as I long to know Him.
Read this next portion of scripture.
God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirts left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, Whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. Acts 19:11-18
The whole point of healing and driving out demons is to direct hearts to Jesus. To make His name famous. It’s never to be about the person God is moving through, it’s always about the only One capable of doing such things.
Some say that only those who actually walked with Jesus, could perform miracles, etc. but may I remind you that Paul, once Saul, had an encounter with Christ after His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. God still uses people. God still has encounters with us. Why would He have ever stopped?
The God of the universe is longing to know and be known by us all, that none may perish.
Prayer Moment: Today, I offer up a two-fold challenge. First, if you are willing, invite God to know you. Let Him have access to your whole heart. Don’t just know Him through scripture, meet Him. Develop a real relationship with Him. Partner with Him throughout your entire day, not just your quiet time. Second, freely and in love, share the gospel with those around you. Don’t be afraid to pray for healing or release. Be bold. Our time is now. If not now, when? The world needs the true gospel today. You are the light of the world, let your light shine brightly.
365 Days in the Presence 