But who are you?

One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15)

 

“But who are you?” to the sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, the evil spirit asked. The Devil is an evil spirit of considerable power comparable to the Holy Spirit. Evil spirits are well aware of the reality of preachers for the gospel. What kind of man is a true worker of the gospel needed by this age? May God want a man like Paul the apostle, but can’t I be such a sincere worker? What kind of abilities should I have in order to be like Paul? And what is the difference between when the apostles were active in the early church and now? To further strengthen the attitude of devotion for Christ, let’s look back on the situation of the time when Paul was active.

 

Those who devote oneself to living for Christ should pray especially for health. Because trying to maintain one’s own health is an important part of a life of faith. If possible, it would be good to set up a physical fitness facility at church, I wish. Church needs to provide places and tools, so that anyone can come and go freely at no cost. Having the time and place of prayer is an essential requirement for a life of faith. But compared to the emphasis on prayer and prayer meetings, many Christians leading the way in God’s work suffer damage by not taking care of their health.

As we know, Paul the Apostle spent a passionate life on the first to fourth evangelical trips for Christ. I don’t know how he managed his bodily health and exactly what his health was, but he wouldn’t have been able to do that without being given his health. The Bible says Paul the apostle spoke boldly about the kingdom of God for three months, in the synagogue of Ephesus during his third trip. With thinking it was possible because of the health, I am very envious of his great energetic power and passion.

There were many Jews who went around and did magic, in the Bible text. And those were the sons of the priests who were humiliated by the evil spirits. Also these days, there seems to be quite a lot who seduced by superstitions and sorcery, such as magic or divination, even among the members of Christ’s Church. Furthermore, not a few people, as pastors and their families, seem to be doing such behaviors of disbelief. To be inclined to the world once in a while by weak faith has at least some room for repentance. But testing Jesus’ name in the guise of faith is unacceptable. Because it constitutes a sin against the Spirit of God, as in Mark 3:29. Words and actions that block or disgrace God’s glory are sins that disturb the Holy Spirit. The sons of Sceva did not believe in Jesus, but they tried to chase away evil spirits on the pretext of Jesus’ name. The real faith in Jesus does not come from outward imitation. When they saw Paul chased off the evil spirits in Jesus’ name, they wanted to do the same. Just like that, in today’s society, some pay for the pastor’s name, because it’s good to see a good pastor working. But devil knows the real and the fake and responds it correctly. Evil spirits are very smart, and they know how to distinguish and fear God and God’s servant. Also the devil knows well the fake apostles who work as the servants of evil spirits.

The evil spirit said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” This question “Who are you?” does not mean he doesn’t know who they are. What he is saying in a strong tone is “You are not a servant of Jesus, you are a fake.” or “You are evil fellows as my slaves. You’re doing a good job doing bad things!” Should a man called a Christian and a pastor hear those words from the devil? Such a person will be driven away by evil spirits. A person who pays attention to an unfaithful life without Jesus will be into the fail in life.

 

When the Lord ask who you are, if you answer this, “I’m the child of God, who believes in Jesus.” that’s wonderful. And Devil must say in front of me, “Indeed, you are a man of Christ.” I expect, anyone who sees me should give glory to the Lord Jesus. Confess all your injustice in the name of Jesus and remove them, just as magicians had burnt many magic books. And be a worker who makes a new life possible.

 

(Written by Koonoh, Pastor of JDO Presbyterian Church in Korea, on June 7th 2020)