Press the arrow to listen to Parachute Band sing “To Live is Christ” as you read today’s devotion about significance.

Scripture
But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Acts 19:13-15

Observation
Who are you?

That must be one of life’s most useful questions to be asked. It peels away our veneer of significance and shows the chipboard of our character below.

The seven brothers felt important because their dad was a big wig. A Chief Priest was far more important than a plain priest; and to be the son of a Chief Priest was something to brag about. To be the father of seven sons who were willing to travel the world as missionaries, must have filled Sceva with pride. That sense of significance must have infused into his boys. In the synagogue everyone recognized these famous brothers.

But the demons weren’t impressed with their last name. One sentence melted them. “Who are you?”

The demons recognized only two people. Jesus and those close to Jesus. Everyone else was insignificant. “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

Application
If someone asked me today, “Who are you?” what would be my reply? Would I use my title, my address, my resume or even my father as my label? The only mark of significance would have something to do with the name of Jesus. In the world I live in, one can advance with values other than Jesus. But it is best to live as if none of them have significance. May my only value be that somehow I am in right connection with Jesus.

Prayer
Father, keep me rightly connected with Jesus. Amen.