Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Mark 9:33-41 NIV
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us
38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop because he was not one of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
— What does it mean to do something ‘in Jesus’ name”?
To do something in Jesus’ name means that you are acknowledging that there is nothing we can really do without the strength or power of the Lord.
Lord, it is in you that I have my being! Every day you are my portion and my strength. You know when I go in and when I go out. I cannot hide from your Holy Spirit and your love is everlasting. Lord, there is nothing I can do apart from you and I am humbled that you have allowed me to access your great power and love to minister to those whom you love. You oh Lord are truly for me and with your strength, I shall not be afraid. May I always be prepared to serve anyone you would send my way. May your name be glorified forever! Amen
Submitted by Jo Schneider