“What you need is a good slogan.”

SCRIPTURE: Lev. 18-19; Ps. 13; Acts 19

Acts 19:13-16
Some itinerant Jewish exorcists who happened to be in town at the time tried their hand at what they assumed to be Paul’s “game.” They pronounced the name of the Master Jesus over victims of evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus preached by Paul!” The seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were trying to do this on a man when the evil spirit talked back: “I know Jesus and I’ve heard of Paul, but who are you?” Then the possessed man went berserk—jumped the exorcists, beat them up, and tore off their clothes. Naked and bloody, they got away as best they could.

OBSERVATIONS: The sons of Sceva took the outward form of Paul’s success and claimed the name–but claimed the name only. Nominal discipleship and nominal leadership is still only nominal even if the name is a good one. It takes more than saying the name.

APPLICATION: I have a tendency to shortcut the process of growth and learning. Much like the sons of Sceva, I freely borrow from those who are successful (due permissions given) and apply it in my own setting and situation. What is important to remember is that not all of these applications are the success story; part of the success comes in working the process to get to that point. This gives room to the Holy Spirit to do the work necessary to grow/sanctify/mature the disciples who participate in the process.

PRAYER: God, when I see your work in others, remind me that you are the inventor of all things organic–particularly relationships. Remind me that you are more interested in my development as a disciple than my success as a leader. Remind me that all disciples are hand-crafted; though the process may be the same from person to person, there is no one-size-fits-all. Thank you for sending us a Savior who is complex and complete, sufficient to every need, relateable to every sinner, and smart enough to be patient through process. Amen.