A crop of shocking white hair against Gardenia’s island skin perfectly embodied her name. As a handful of us entered her dilapidated home, she was praising God. In our hands we carried raw chicken, flour, and oil; a fortune for our Cuban friend who had just opened her last can of beans.
Gardenia practically glowed radiant with joy. She referred to herself as a missionary who shared the gospel with her people for decades despite oppression. This woman was the real deal, and I was enamored.
“Tell me something about God,” she urged with a reverently bowed head. Tongue tied and stunned, I opened my Bible and randomly read a verse lit up by yellow highlighter. It was not my finest moment of ministry because whatever I read, it did not fit the situation in the slightest.
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, said to a lame beggar, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6) Peter and John “looked at him intently” (v4) and leaned in to help in the name of Jesus.
Throughout the gospels and Acts tremendous miracles occur “in the name of Jesus.” Disease, demons, and death are eradicated in the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus transforms lives and alters eternal destinies.
In the name of Jesus sometimes we see miraculous healings. Sometimes we experience strength in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), or wisdom in our ignorance (James 1:5). Sometimes, like Gardenia, we experience provision coming through the door when we least expect it (Matthew 7:11).
You have been positioned in this time and place (Acts 17:26) to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) Just as Peter and John modeled Jesus, who was “mighty in deed and word” (Luke 24:19), we can too.
Do you believe in the power of the name of Jesus? Is there something you could tell others about God in the name of Jesus?
It makes me smile thinking about beautiful Gardenia shouting praise to God and dancing as we left her home. I had a small part in bringing her chicken and an awkward scripture reading, and she gave me marching orders.
Gardenia’s words, “Tell me something about God,” are at the forefront of my mind when I get to write, speak, teach, disciple - love. Remember with me that the name of Jesus has power to strengthen, sustain, and save people from their sins. There is hope in the name of Jesus. Let’s be like Jesus and tell them something about God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus thank You for choosing me, making me holy, and setting me apart as your own treasure. I ask for the grace to reveal You to those around me in deed and word like my Savior. I pray to glorify You. Amen.