Using the Name of Jesus. Mark 9:38-41.
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. “For the one who is not against us is for us. “For truly I say to you, whoever gives a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.”
Dear Friends,
The power in the name of Jesus is intriguing. Apparently, people who do not belong to Jesus can use his name to prophesy, cast out demons, and do mighty works (Matthew 7:21-23). How are we to handle such?
Restriction (v. 38). The disciples had forbidden a man who was not one of them, but who was using the name of Jesus to cast demons out. They may have wanted to protect the name of Jesus from abuse, but more likely, they may have had a proprietary attitude. They felt, in a sense, that Jesus belonged to them and only they had a right to use the name.
Release (Vv. 39-40). Jesus’ position is different. He says two things about such a person: a person who uses the name of Jesus to do mighty works will not turn around and blaspheme the same name. Secondly, a person who is not against Christ is by default for him. This is not to say that the person is a believer, but opposition to Christ then and now is such that energies should not be wasted on opposing people who are positively inclined toward Jesus, believers or not.
Reward (v. 41). Kindness to the servants of Jesus is never wasted. A person may not even believe in Jesus. If that person extends even the most basic form of charity to believers – giving a person a drink of water was, and still is, considered the least expensive gesture of kindness – such a person will get a reward. This is not to say that the person will go to heaven. Jesus is not talking about eternity, but good will come to the person. How much more will God bless believers who are kind to one another? Do you hold on to your material possessions too tightly? Release some of it and help a person in need. The reward is guaranteed.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.