Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. Psalm 118:26
I grew up in the era of crime shows where the police would shout out “stop, in the name of the law!” Officers probably rarely shout that in real life but the idea is that they are appealing to the authority of the law and not their own individual power. That idea goes back to ancient royal traditions as authority was wielded “in the name of the king.” The person invoking the king had to be either given specific permission or had to be appealing to his known will and character. Similarly, I am a trustee. When I act in the name of my friend, it is not my wishes I am representing, but hers. I act under her authority and according to her wishes to the best of my ability.
As citizens of the Kingdom, we have been given the right to act in God’s name as it aligns with His will and character. When we act today, “in the name of Jesus” we do it as a representative of Him, and under His authority. The Spirit gives us guidance according to His will. When we pray, “in the name of God,” we are calling up all His promises and entreating His character.
But we don’t invoke God’s name because He is not present, as in the idea that He isn’t here so I’m doing it in His place. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We use His name, not because He is absent, but we act in His name because we have His authority and are working consistently within His character. He is with us in power through the Spirit.
Thank you, Jesus, that You have entrusted us in bringing the Kingdom in Your name. May we feel the weight of that powerful privilege in all we do.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
