Acts 3:6 Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Have you ever seen one of those old movies about distant kingdoms where a herald would announce, “I come in the name of the king.” Usually he would have a letter with the royal seal or a signet ring which gave his words authenticity. Whatever the herald said carried the weight and power of the king, in as much as those who heard were subject to that king. They carried no weight outside the kingdom.

The cripple of Acts 3 was begging Peter and John for money. The man received a restored body so that he could earn his way in the world and would no longer have to beg. This was a miracle from God for only God can do miracles. What Peter had was the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God and He performed the miracle. Peter in obedience of faith did as he was commanded, to tell the man to arise and walk.

Let me ask you this. Did Peter have to include the phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ” in order for the Holy Spirit to heal the man? Before you answer, remember this. When the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of Jesus’ rob, His response was “Who touched me?” (Luke 8:25) Her faith was enough.

So often we look at the words as if the words hold the power, but they do not. The words were written to remind us who is to receive the glory. God is to be glorified in us, not for us to be glorified in God. It is our obedience of faith in which the Holy Spirit releases His command presence. That command of faith is initialed by God and testified to us through the Holy Spirit. We should not expect the Holy Spirit to act just because we use the words “in the name of Jesus Christ”.

The last thing I want to hear when I pray is; “That doesn’t sound like something my Son would say.”