"I speak Jesus over every heart and mind," which is the beginning words of a powerful worship song. There is something supernatural about the peace and power released as we declare His name. Guess that is why Colossians 3:17 instructs us, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Using the name of Jesus is so much more than just speaking the word Jesus, it is actually the privilege of representing Jesus Himself. We all agree that Jesus stated that He is the light of the world, but Jesus also said we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Clearly that depends upon God shining through us, which is, of course, the reason He gave us His Spirit.
Jesus didn't begin HIs ministry until the Spirit of God came upon Him, as He declared in Luke 4, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted ...." Surely, we have received the same Holy Spirit and Jesus pointed out that the Spirit is given without measure "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. (John 3;34) Therefore, it follows that with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, we can and should do the same works that He did. (Actually, Jesus says we will do greater ones!)
However, the strong hindrance to being this lighthouse and accomplishing these great works is sin. Even though the blood of Jesus forgives sin and cleanses us from all unrighteousness, we have this flesh nature, these desires of body and mind, that is sold out to sin, and the wages of sin is death. It is vital that we choose life and obedience to the Word rather than give in to these selfish seductions. Notice the attitude of Jesus toward sin, found in Hebrews 1:9, "You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than your companions." Jesus hated sin. Fear of the Lord is defined as hatred of evil in Proverbs 8:13.
Unless we let the Lord help us develop a hatred toward sin, we will always be deceived into thinking it is desirable. Psalm 34:11 shares God's invitation, "Come, you children, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." God is waiting to teach those who come to Him.
By loving and delighting to do His will, we choose life and can learn to reject, yes even hate, evil. Psalm 112 declares, "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments."
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