PRE-393-393. Claiming the Power

393. Claiming the Power

Claiming the Power That Is in Christ

by David Wilkerson

September 1, 2003

[May 19, 1931 '96 April 27, 2011]

As Jesus spent his last hours with his disciples, he said to them, '93Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you'94 (Joh_16:23). Then he told them, '93Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full'94 (16:24).

What an incredible statement. As this scene took place, Christ was warning his followers that he was going away, and he wouldn'92t see them for a short time. Yet, in the very same breath, he assured them they had access to every blessing of heaven. All they had to do was ask in his name.

Now, most Bible commentators say this promise didn'92t apply to the disciples as yet. They claim that the disciples couldn'92t ask anything in Christ'92s name until he'92d left the earth and was in the Father'92s presence.

But Scripture suggests otherwise. The clearest example is the unknown man who did mighty works in Jesus'92 name. The disciples tried to stop this man because he wasn'92t one of their circle. John reported to Jesus, '93Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us'94 (Mar_9:38).

How did Jesus respond to this? '93Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part'94 (9:39-40). Christ acknowledged the man as being '93with me, on our side.'94

This man wasn'92t in Jesus'92 inner circle, yet he still was able to perform miracles in the Lord'92s name. And as he did, he stated that all the power was in the name of Christ. What an amazing thing. This man didn'92t enjoy personal intimacy with Jesus, as the twelve did. Nor did he have the great revelations the disciples had. He was probably just one of the multitudes that Jesus taught from the hillsides and shores.

But this man obviously was a lover of Jesus. Why? He laid hold of Christ'92s promises, and he acted on them. And miracles happened. He also had to be a praying, fasting man. After all, Jesus pointed out that demons are cast out only by prayer and fasting.

In this respect, the unknown man stands in stark contrast to Jesus'92 disciples. The twelve had been personally taught by Jesus to knock, seek, ask for the things of God. They were taught firsthand that all the blessings of the Father '97 all grace, power and strength '97 were found in Christ. And they'92d heard Jesus declare to the multitudes: '93Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it'94 (Joh_14:12-14).

Here was at least one man who took Jesus at his Word. He had claimed Jesus'92 promise, and his faith was honored by God. He expected the Lord to perform miracles through him, all in the name of Jesus Christ. That'92s why Jesus now told John and the others, '93Up to now, you haven'92t asked anything in my name. So, ask, and you'92ll receive. Then your joy will be full'94 (see 16:24). He was saying, '93Ask now. Don'92t wait for some other time. And don'92t try to figure it all out theologically. I'92m telling you, my name has power over the devil. And you have that power, because you are in me. Ask, and the Father will do it.'94

Considering all the power and resources we have in Christ, most believers have asked almost nothing in his name.

Christ'92s words to his disciples convict me: '93Ye have asked nothing in my name'94 (Joh_16:24). As I read this, I hear the Lord whispering to me, '93David, you haven'92t claimed the power I'92ve made available to you. You simply need to ask in my name.'94

Here is what I believe grieves God'92s heart more than all the sins of the flesh combined. Our Lord is grieved by the ever-growing lack of faith in his promises – by ever-increasing doubts that he answers prayer – and by a people who claim less and less of the power that'92s in Christ.

The world has never known a needier time. Yet there is less petition than ever in the name of Jesus. As the days pass, Christians are asking less and less of the Lord. They'92re afraid to step out, often because of unbelief. So they ask little or nothing in his name.

I have to make my own confession. Like the disciples, I pray, I fast, I enjoy intimacy with Christ. I love devouring God'92s Word and being shut in with him in prayer. But I wonder: what do these things mean, if they don'92t produce faith in my wondrous Lord? I marvel at God'92s majesty, glory and power. But do I act on it? I have intimate communion with the Lord. But does my time with him empower me with divine authority, with an eagerness to claim all power in his name?

It'92s amazing how faithfully the church refers to Christ'92s name. We praise it, we bless it, we sing about the '93power, power, wonder-working power in the blessed name of the Lord.'94 We fear his name, we glory in it, we love to hear it spoken. But we don'92t appropriate the power that'92s in his name. We don'92t claim it or act on it.

And why not? Why doesn'92t every believer lay hands on the sick and claim the healing power that'92s in Christ'92s name? Why don'92t we intercede in his name, for the spiritual awakening of our children, our families, our friends? Why does Satan get so little opposition from us? Was it ever God'92s will to allow the enemy to destroy our homes and marriages?

The Bible says that in these last days, the devil will come down on humankind '93having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time'94 (Rev_12:12). My question is, will this mad devil meet a passive, lame church? Will he find a faithless people who extol the name of Christ, but don'92t resist their enemy by the power that'92s in that name? Will he encounter a people of God who give in easily, saying, '93I'92ve done the best I can. I just have to make it through till the Lord comes back.'94

No, never! We don'92t have to take what the devil has been giving. We don'92t have to yield to his attacks, be afraid of him, or fear the future. In recent weeks, I have seethed inside with a holy anger against Satan and his powers. As I'92ve read Jesus'92 words, they'92ve fired my soul to rise up and say, '93Enough, devil. I come against you with all power in the name of Jesus. I'92m putting you on notice. You can call off your hordes from hell, because I'92m going to resist your every attack. And God'92s Word says you'92ll flee.'94

Satan may try to bring a flood of affliction into my life. He may attack my family and loved ones. But every demonic flood will be met with a release of Christ'92s power. The enemy may send demon after demon. But each and every one will run smack into the immovable wall that is the almighty name of Jesus Christ.

We are to remove all the limits we have put on God.

This is illustrated vividly in Act_3:1-26. In verse 1, Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray. This was their daily practice. And each day, they passed a man who sat at the temple gate begging. The man had been lame from birth.

But this day was going to be different from all others. This time, when the apostles saw the beggar, a holy anger rose up in them. They saw that Satan had gone unchallenged in the man'92s life for too long. Now it was time for Spirit-filled men of God to appropriate the power in Christ'92s name.

'93Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us'85. Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee'94 (Act_3:4; Act_3:6). Peter was saying, '93We possess something better than all the gold and silver in the world. What we have is far greater than all the doctors and medicine on the earth. I'92m talking about the power that'92s in the name of Jesus Christ. We have it, and we give it to you.'94

With that, Peter said, '93In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up'85and he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God'94 (3:6-8).

The crowds who saw this happen were amazed. They asked the apostles what was going on. Peter explained, '93His name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all'94 (3:16). Peter was saying, in essence: '93For years you'92ve known this man as crippled from birth. And now you want to know how he is able to leap and dance. It'92s because of the name of Jesus Christ. It is by the power in Christ'92s name that this man has been healed, and not by any other name.'94

Note the phrase that Peter uses to describe the man'92s new condition: '93perfect soundness.'94 It doesn'92t matter how difficult or hopeless our trial may appear. God has provided for us to have '93perfect soundness'94 in the midst of it. And this perfect soundness '97 supplied through the name of Jesus Christ '97 will repel every dart of the enemy.

When the temple officials heard what had happened, they jailed Peter and John. And the next day, they put the disciples on trial. The high priest demanded of them, '93By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?'94 (4:7). Again Peter declared, '93Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole'94 (4:10).

I ask you, how were these simple, humble men able to speak so boldly, with such confidence? It was because Peter and John had removed all limits on God. They were saying, in essence, '93We'92re not going to limit the Holy One of Israel in any situation.'94

They had spoken surpassing faith into the crippled man'92s life. And they never could have done that unless they truly believed Jesus'92 words: '93Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you'94 (Joh_16:23). These disciples knew that when Jesus said '93whatsoever,'94 he was making the promise unlimited. Christ was saying, '93All things that you ask the Father in my name, he will give them to you.'94

We are to follow Peter and John'92s example. We too are to believe all things are possible. And we'92re to remove every limit we have placed on God to work in our lives.

Claiming the power in Christ'92s name is not some complicated, hidden theological truth.

In my library are books written solely on the subject of Jesus'92 name. The authors wrote them to help believers understand the deep implications hidden in Christ'92s name. Yet most of these books are so '93deep,'94 they go right over readers'92 heads.

I believe that the truth we'92re meant to know about Jesus'92 name is so simple, a child could understand it. It'92s simply this: when we make our requests in Jesus'92 name, we'92re to be fully persuaded that it'92s the same as if Jesus himself were asking the Father. How could this be true, you ask? Let me explain.

We know that God loved his Son. He spoke with Jesus and taught him during his time on earth. And God not only heard but answered every request his Son made. Jesus testified to this, saying, '93He heareth me always.'94 In short, the Father never denied his Son any request.

Today, all who believe in Jesus are clothed in his Sonship. And the heavenly Father receives us as intimately as he receives his own Son. Why? It'92s because of our spiritual union with Christ. Through his Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus has made us one with the Father. '93That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us'85I in them, and thou in me'94 (Joh_17:21; Joh_17:23).

Simply put, we are now family '97 one with the Father, and one with the Son. We'92ve been adopted, with the full rights of inheritance possessed by any child. This means all the power and resources of heaven are made available to us, through Christ.

And, because we are clothed in Christ'92s Sonship '97 joint heirs with him, partakers in his inheritance '97 we know our requests are also heard by the Father. And he answers our requests, just as he answered his Son'92s.

What incredible authority we have been given in prayer. How, exactly, do we use this authority? Through Christ'92s own name. You see, when we placed our faith in Jesus, he gave us his name. His sacrifice enables us to say, '93I am Christ'92s, I'92m in him, I'92m one with him.'94 Then, amazingly, Jesus took on our name. As our high priest, he wrote it on the palm of his hand. And so our name is registered in heaven, under his glorious name.

You can see why the phrase '93in Christ'92s name'94 isn'92t just some impersonal formula. Rather, it'92s a literal position we have with Jesus. And that position is recognized by the Father. Jesus tells us, '93At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God'94 (16:26-27).

Here is why Jesus commands us to pray in his name. He'92s saying, '93Whenever you ask in my name, your request has the same power and effect with the Father as if it were me asking him.'94 In other words, it'92s as if our prayer is being uttered by Jesus himself before the Father'92s throne. Likewise, when we lay hands on the sick and pray, God sees us as if Jesus is laying hands on the sick to bring healing.

This is also why we'92re to come boldly to the throne of grace: to receive. We are to pray with confidence, '93Father, I stand before you, chosen in Christ to go forth and bear fruit. Now I make my request largely, that my joy may be full.'94

I hear many Christians say, '93I asked in Jesus'92 name, but my prayers weren'92t answered.'94

These believers state, '93I tried to claim the power in Jesus'92 name. But it just didn'92t work for me.'94 There are many reasons why we don'92t receive answers to our prayers. We may have allowed some sin in our lives, something that defiles our union with Christ. These become roadblocks that dam up the flow of blessing from him. And he won'92t answer our prayers until we'92ve forsaken our sin.

Or, perhaps the blockage is due to lukewarmness, or halfheartedness toward the things of God. Perhaps we'92re being stifled by doubt, which cuts us off from the power in Christ. James warns, '93Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord'94 (Jam_1:6-7).

I received a letter recently from a widow whose teenage daughter is deep in sin. This mother said her daughter was once a faithful believer, but is now heavily into drugs and living with her boyfriend. Why the terrible fall? The girl'92s father had cancer, and she had prayed, '93God, don'92t let my Daddy die.'94 When her father passed away, the girl ran as far as she could from the Lord. She told her mother, '93I gave God a chance. I prayed in faith, in the name of Jesus. But he let Daddy die.'94

I once sat next to a woman on an airplane who was in tears. I told her I was a minister and asked if I could help. She answered, '93I just buried my father. He was such a good man, the most loving person I'92d ever known. I prayed for God to let him live. Tell me, how could a loving God let a good man like my father die? I don'92t want to talk about God at all.'94

Our ministry receives dozens of letters containing stories just like these. Over and over, we read words to this effect: '93I prayed in faith, believing God. But he didn'92t hear me. I waited and waited, but he never answered. You can'92t tell me that prayer works. How can I surrender my life to God if he doesn'92t answer my prayers?'94

Maybe you can relate to these feelings. You may look back to a situation where you prayed earnestly, faithfully '97 perhaps for a loved one'92s healing, or for a personal problem. But no answer came. You concluded, '93God doesn'92t answer prayer. If he ever heard my pleas, I never knew about it, because he didn'92t do what I asked.'94

Maybe you'92re not angry with God. But you'92ve lost confidence. Something keeps you from committing your heart to him fully. And so you'92ve stopped praying. You don'92t enjoy the fullness of his blessings anymore.

James makes it clear: '93He who wavers won'92t receive anything of God.'94 The word James uses for '93waver'94 means to be undecided. The truth is, when these people made their requests, they put God on trial. In their hearts, they said, '93Lord, if you answer me, I'92ll serve you. I'92ll give you everything, if you'92ll just answer this prayer. But if you don'92t, I'92ll live my life my way.'94

Yet God won'92t be bribed. He knows our hearts, and he knows when we'92re undecided in our commitment to his Son. He reserves the power that'92s in Christ for those who'92ve surrendered to him wholly.

Joh_14:1-31 contains two magnificent promises. In the first, Jesus states, '93Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it'94 (Joh_14:12-14). Jesus makes it plain and simple in the last verse: '93Ask anything in my name, and I'92ll do it for you.'94

Two verses later, Jesus promises, '93I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you'94 (14:16-18). Here Christ is saying, '93I'92m going to give you the Spirit of Truth. And his power will abide in you.'94

These are two incredible promises from Jesus. Yet notice the one verse that'92s sandwiched between them: '93If you love me, keep my commandments'94 (14:15). Why does this statement appear here? Christ is telling us, '93There is a matter of obedience connected to these promises.'94 In short, both promises have to do with keeping and obeying God'92s Word. They were given to be fulfilled, so that nothing would hinder us from claiming the power that is in Christ.

I'92m convinced that asking little or nothing in Jesus'92 name is a reproach to him.

Year after year, many Christians settle for less and less. Finally, they settle for the salvation of Christ only. They have no expectations other than making it to heaven someday.

I ask you: have you come to the end of your Christ? Do you expect nothing more than to be saved by his power and grace? Does your Christ end at just enough strength to make it through another day? Does he end for you at a place of occasional peace and joy, in a life lived mostly under Satan'92s harassment?

All of these passages in God'92s Word persuade me that '93my'94 Jesus is no bigger than my requests. Yet, sadly, many believers make Christ to look insignificant and powerless by their unbelief. Beloved, I don'92t want my Christ to be limited. Instead, I want every devil in hell to know how big my God is by how big my requests are. I want more out of my Christ. I want him to be bigger than ever in my life.

Here is true faith: it considers all the problems and pain of God'92s people worldwide, all hopeless situations, all hurting widows, orphans and elderly believers who struggle to survive. Faith puts all of these sorrowful things on a scale, and watches as the scale sinks. Yet, faith then puts Christ on the other side of the scale. And it rejoices as it sees how he overwhelms all the sins and afflictions of this world.

God never intended for us to let the devil overtake our hearts and homes. Rather, he intends for us to make a declaration that'92s loud and clear. We'92re to take our position in Christ, and cry, '93In the name of Jesus Christ!'94 It'92s time for every believer to stand up and declare, '93I'92ve lived with fear long enough. In the name of Jesus Christ, I will no longer fear death, man or the devil. I want the world to see the unsurpassable greatness of my Christ, by the greatness of my requests. My God says to ask largely, and I will. How can anything be too hard for him?'94

I urge you, get hold of God'92s Word, and believe Jesus has made these promises to you. They are the weapons of your warfare, weapons that are mighty through him. And they'92ll become mighty in your hands when you lay hold of them and claim them.

By: David Wilkerson