August 8, 2004

THE HEALING NAME

"By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him" (Acts 3:16, NIV).

The astonishing cure of the paralyzed beggar at the temple gate had taken center stage in the Jerusalem news media. Peter seized the opportunity to witness to Jesus' amazing power to heal. His message was straightforward, "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man... was made strong" (Acts 3:16, NIV).

Everywhere the disciples went the ringing message was: "There is power in the name of Jesus to heal, save, and deliver." Before the Sanhedrin, Peter forcefully declared, "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... that this man stands before you completely healed" (Acts 4:10, NIV). Peter insisted that it was Jesus Himself who had performed the miracle and not the mere mechanical recitation of His name (see Acts 3:16). The name of Jesus is not magic; it is divine power. When this name is invoked in faith, God honors that faith and His divine power brings about the desired effect. There is healing power released when that powerful name is invoked in faith.

Whether by the touch of faith or by invoking the healing name of Jesus by faith, the end product is the same. The divine power to heal spiritually or physically stems from the person and character of Jesus. That name above all names is still abundantly able to heal our spiritual and physical brokenness. "By faith in His name, we too can be made strong. That wonderful name still brings healing of the body and soul."--The Desire of Ages, p. 821.

My Prayer Today: Lord, increase my faith in the healing name of Jesus. Heal my brokenness and make me strong. Amen.