Be Known
“But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?’” Acts 19:15
What a powerful encounter and contrast of “knowing someone” or “not knowing them.” To know someone is defined by the dictionary as: being aware of them through observation, inquiry, or information; to be cognizant or aware, interaction; to have information, as about something. So, in other words, the evil spirit knew Jesus and Paul because of his awareness, observation and/or interaction with them. But the evil spirit did NOT know the priest, because he was never made aware of him, had never observed him, nor had he encountered him.
Knowing someone conveys comprehension of who they are. It recognizes their character, who/what they represent, how they will act or behave, etc. Obviously, the more you know someone, the more of their nature you will become cognizant of. For instance, a child knows his two parents. As the child matures and grow up, he becomes more knowledgeable of each of his parents, their similarities, and their differences. The child gains a deeper understanding of them because of his relationship with them. He gains awareness of their character, observes their behaviors, interacts with their roles, and becomes familiar of their strengths and weaknesses.
But take this same child and have him grow up only with his mother while his father was completely absent. As the child grows, he can confidently say he knows his mom and at the same time will have no idea of who his father is. The child has a biological association to both, but not a relationship with both. In fact, the child could walk right by his father in a store and NOT know him.
The priest is much like this child, he had an association of Christ (as a Jew), but not a true relationship. The priest knew religion, tradition, and activities, but was ignorant of Christ. Consequently, the priest was absent of Christ and of Holy Spirit, of whom the evil spirit knew.
So, as you start your day, how are you known and who knows you? Are you known as Paul, a new creation in Christ, walking in the authority and power of Holy Spirit? Or has there been a regressing in your walk? How do people around you know you, as a child of Yahweh or not? Do not be discouraged but be inspired today as it is a new day and a chance for a new start. Regardless of the circumstance, choose Christ, and put your faith in Him. Be known today as a child of Yahweh, with your faith completely in Christ.