One day
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? (NIV) Acts 19:13-15
It will not be surprising to figure out that a lot of people in the world today are engaged in one routine or the other and yet without a clear and proper reason for what they are busily doing. But it is very necessary to know why we do what we do even on a daily basis. Humans have not been spared the dire outcomes when undertakings have been carried out haphazardly. How much important then must it be, to know why we do what we do pertaining our walk with God and the subsequent eternal implications thereof.
In the area of religion and in Christendom specifically, there have been unending human inventions that have never satisfied the will of the Lord. For instance, some people attend church for the wrong reasons: because of proximity to a church building, due to the high level of entertainment obtained, because it is a family legacy, to please the masses, as a result of the pressure from family, as a mere formality to spend Sunday mornings, to meet stars and celebrities for networking, etc. Though some of these reasons may be helpful and realistic, they are actually far from the primary purpose- to seek, walk and live for the Lord according to His standard.
The attitude of religious adventure and curiosity plunged the sons of Sceva into using the name of Jesus at their whim. (Acts 19:13) To them, what mattered was to get what they wanted by just mentioning the name of Jesus (in casting out evil spirits). Being the sons of a Jewish chief priest was probably enough to make them religious, but they were only on their own path. Interestingly, all seven siblings were in a common error. And it took even an evil spirit to find them out. Thus, they were not in good standing with the Lord unlike Paul who had a fair praise by following the Lord. Suffering severe beatings and shame were the consequences of Sceva’s son. (Acts 19:16) And we are promised no blessings for suffering for our own wrongdoing (1Pet 2:20; 4:15)
We may know the Lord already and that is elevating. But to us now, can we obtain a good commendation from the Lord? Are we really doing the Lord’s bidding by doing things His way? It is never too late to get things right. The Lord Himself will add you to His family (Acts 2:47) to qualify you enough for a blessed use of His name.
One day, the works of Sceva’s sons were ended without any recompense in spite of their religiosity. Do not let it happen to you while there is still time to get things right by obeying the Lord. Jesus loves you, but what will your “one day” be?