Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we're looking at something powerful and often underutilized: the authority Jesus Christ gave believers through the power of His name. Just like a legal power of attorney, understanding and using this authority can transform our spiritual walk. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Power of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal arrangement that grants someone the authority to act on another person’s behalf. The person with this authority can make decisions, sign documents, and take actions as though they were the person themselves. This power can be broad—covering major decisions—or limited to specific actions.
I remember a personal experience with POA back in 2010. My wife traveled to England for her clinical rotations, leaving me with the authority to sign documents on her behalf. It felt strange at first. Imagine signing your spouse’s name and realizing that, in that context, your signature carried the same weight as theirs. I wasn’t just acting for her; I was acting as her.
That’s when it hit me: in the spiritual realm, Jesus Christ has given us a similar authority. We have the right to act in His name. But many believers, like Mephibosheth in the Old Testament, don’t know the power they’ve been granted.
Mephibosheth: The Forgotten Authority
In 2 Samuel 9:6-7 (KJV), we read about Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. When he was brought before King David, Mephibosheth bowed down in fear, unaware of the blessings and authority his family name held in David’s court:
“Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” (2 Samuel 9:6-7, KJV)
Mephibosheth didn’t know that his father’s relationship with David gave him access to restored land and royal privileges. Similarly, many believers don’t realize what the name of Jesus grants them. We’ve been given authority, but it’s up to us to use it.
The covenant between David and Jonathan is beautifully illustrated in the Bible, demonstrating their deep friendship and loyalty to each other. The scripture that captures this covenant is found in 1 Samuel 20:42 (KJV):
"And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed forever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city."
This covenant was a mutual pledge of loyalty and support, ensuring that their descendants would honor and protect one another. It is this promise that later leads David to show kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, as described in 2 Samuel.
Jesus Has Given Us Full Power of Attorney in His Name
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He didn’t leave us powerless. He entrusted us with the authority to act in His name, giving us the same power that He exercised during His earthly ministry.
Mark 16:17-18 (KJV) highlights this:
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Jesus’ name isn’t just a symbol—it’s a legal, spiritual tool. When we use it in faith, we act with His authority. Whatever He could do while He was here on earth, we can do in His name today. That’s what it means to have the power of attorney.
Whenever We Use the Power of attorney in Jesus’ name, It’s as if He’s There
Let that sink in for a moment. Every time you pray in Jesus’ name, it’s as though Jesus Himself is standing there. The authority doesn’t come from your ability but from His name. In John 14:12-14 (KJV), Jesus says:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”
This authority isn’t reserved for pastors or spiritual leaders—it’s for every believer. If you’ve accepted Christ, you have the right to use your power of attorney in Jesus’ name to drive out evil, heal the sick, and bring about God’s will in the earth.
Asking the Father in Jesus’ Name
Jesus also taught us to pray to the Father in His name. John 16:23-24 (KJV) emphasizes this promise:
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
We don’t need to beg or plead with God. Instead, we boldly come before Him, knowing that we have access through Jesus. When we pray in Jesus’ name, it isn’t about us—it’s about His authority and His finished work on the cross.
Why Don’t We Use This Authority More?
If this authority is available to us, why don’t we use it more often? Hosea 4:6 (KJV) provides the answer:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Many believers either don’t know they have this authority or they don’t fully believe in its power. We may say, “In Jesus’ name” at the end of our prayers, but do we really understand what we’re saying? It’s time to take hold of the authority we’ve been given and act in faith.
How to Start Using Your Spiritual Power of Attorney
Understand Your Authority: Dive into the Word of God and study scriptures about the authority given to believers.
Speak the Name of Jesus with Confidence: When you pray, cast out fear and doubt. Believe that the name of Jesus carries power.
Take Action: Don’t just pray for healing, deliverance, or provision—expect it. Act as though Jesus Himself is there, because spiritually, He is.
Stay in Relationship with God: The more you cultivate your relationship with Jesus, the more confident you’ll be in using His authority.
The name of Jesus is more than just a closing line for our prayers. It’s the power of attorney that grants us access to the authority of heaven. As believers, we’re called to use this authority to advance God’s kingdom on earth. Don’t let ignorance or fear hold you back. Step out in faith, knowing that when you speak His name, it’s as though He’s there with you.
What are some ways you’ve experienced the power of Jesus’ name in your life? Share your testimony or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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