PODCAST
No Magic Words
May 22nd, 2010
“Say the magic words” is a code that many parents use to remind children of the importance of saying “please” and “thank-you.” Of course, there is no magic in the words, any more than in the words “abracadabra” or “open sesame.”
There is no magic in invoking the name of Jesus. The sons of Sceva tried it, to no avail. Their intentions seemed noble, but they were seeking the power instead of seeking the Person. They referred to Jesus as the One “whom Paul preaches” because they had no personal knowledge of Christ.
God is the One who performs miracles. They are called “extraordinary miracles” lest anyone think some magic was involved for which mortals could take the credit. After all, Pharaoh’s magicians had mimicked Moses and Aaron’s signs. And Simon the sorcerer was “astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw” God do through Philip. Yet, God chooses to perform His extraordinary miracles through mere mortals like Moses, Philip, and Paul–and you and me.
