“So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.”
Acts 19:20 (NLT)
The sons of Sceva tried to use the name of Jesus without belonging to Jesus, and when that failed publicly, something holy happened in Ephesus. The name of Jesus was no longer treated like a cheap incantation or a tool to manipulate power. It was revered again. Honored again. And the fear of God fell on the city.
That fear was not meant to push people away from Jesus. It drew them toward Him. Many became believers, confessed their sinful practices, and brought their magic books to be burned. The things that had been used in the dark were dragged into the light. The thorns that had been choking out the word of God were cut down, and the message about the Lord spread throughout the city. The message had a powerful effect because the things that had been choking it out were finally removed.
This is the pattern we see throughout Scripture. In Acts 12, the foolishness of giving glory to man instead of God had to be destroyed before God’s good news spread rapidly. In Matthew 21, Jesus cleared the temple of what did not belong, and then the sick came to Him and were healed. When false worship, hidden evil, and unholy affection are removed, then people can come near to God. Healing can happen. The gospel can take root.
So today, I am asking Holy Spirit to search my life for anything that has become a thorn. Any hidden practice, false dependence, fear of man, or unholy affection that keeps the good news from growing deep roots in me. Lord, clear out the temple. Burn up the books. Kick out what does not belong, so Jesus can be honored again and His life can bear fruit through us.