Who Are You?

 Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?"

That demon was aware of Jesus. It was also acquainted with Paul. Both did major war against the forces of darkness. Jesus had, and still has, power and authority over the forces of darkness. Paul grew in spiritual power and authority through Jesus. Both were known in hell. Both caused the devil a major headache. Both saw people delivered from demon possession. They had quite an impact. They also made an impression on demonic forces. 

The name of Jesus is powerful More powerful than anything Satan can do. Saints who grow closer to Jesus and more fervent in prayer can tap into that power to stand firm and oppose the wicked schemes of Satan. 

That demon asked who the seven sons of sceva were who came to do an exorcism. They came in the name of Jesus whom Paul preached. They had no personal relationship with Jesus. No faith. No power or authority to combat the forces of darkness. They had second hand knowledge. The demon asked, "Who are you?"

I wonder if we or our churches are known in hell like Jesus and Paul were to the demon. Do we stand so firm against the sinister schemes of the devil that we through Jesus throw a monkey wrench into his plans. Do we ever thwart his agenda with our prayers and evangelism. Is he ever exasperated because we, in Jesus name, foil another deceitful plan to steal, kill, and destroy. 

Do our churches ever drop atom bomb prayers on our communities that defeats our enemy. No matter the attendance, the size of the buildings, or what cutting edge technologies we may have, do our congregations have any major impact on opposing the forces of darkness? Do we even engage in the battle?

Satan is a formidable foe. He is well equipped, shrewd, battle hardened and fights savagely. He is also relentless. Even if he suffers a few defeats, he will never give up. He is on the job 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. He does not take days off. He is never on vacation. Like I said he is relentless. He is to someone to trifle with. 

The sons of sceva found out the hard way. They were beat down and overpowered. They were seen running from the house of the demon possessed naked and wounded. They fled in shameful defeat and the story spread all over town.

Jesus is not looking for more cowards who run in fear. He is looking for courageous warriors called to battle in prayer, evangelism, and revival. If we could see into the spiritual realm, we would be shocked at all the demonic activity all around us. The occult is gaining greater ground in our society. Look at all the sitcoms about witches. Dig into all the Hollywood and political elite who have sold their souls to Satan. Question what possesses all the crazed shooters to go into schools, churches, and supermarkets to murder people? I think there is more demon activity in our world than we can possibly imagine. 

Will we cower in fear? Will we keep retreating giving up ground that will take a move of God to reclaim. Not me. Sign me up for the battle. Let my name be put on a hit list in hell. May my picture be put on a most wanted poster in the halls of hell. I want to make him mad, frustrate him, resist him, oppose him, see him defeated daily through the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Satan has no power against Jesus and His name. He is a defeated foe. A big bully intimidating and harming people. 

The demon asked, "Who are you?" I hope our answer will be: WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, REDEEMED, DECLARED RIGHTEOUS, SAVED, SANCTIFIED, BORN AGAIN, NEW CREATIONS, JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST, DISCIPLES, JESUS FOLLOWERS, VALIANT WARRIORS, BLOOD BOUGHT, NAMES WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE, HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERED, RAPTURE READY, DRESSED IN THE ARMOR OF GOD, EQUIPPED, GIFTED, RESOLVED, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. May we never forget our position in Jesus and our power through Him and Satan's ultimate defeat in the end. Hallelujah to the Lamb who has the name above all names. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God. Remember that the next time a demon talks back to you asking, "Who are you?" Remind him in no uncertain terms WHO you are and WHOSE you are!