It was getting late. My fingers were freezing from the howling Michigan wind. It was almost time to go back to the warm building to debrief with the others.
Then I saw Raymond. He was moving toward Ed with angry words and a puffed-up chest. Ed was a sweet, frail man staying at the men’s homeless shelter. We had befriended him and he enjoyed our regular visits. I knew it wasn’t rational but sensed the Holy Spirit directing me to intervene. I felt the Lord’s love for Ed rise up in me and I had to try.
Raymond was high and enraged. He was bent on hurting Ed. The words came out of my mouth as I pointed toward the street pavement, “I bind the spirit of violence and command you on your knees in the name of Jesus.”
Raymond, a large, muscular man, dropped to his knees with his hands in the air. He rolled his eyes as he did so. He was completely helpless. He had to submit to the name of Jesus.
I avoid sharing this remarkable lesson because I know the dangers of urban ministry too well to promote interfering as I did. I also know what happened had nothing to do with me and it’s humbling. That night, I experienced that the name of Jesus is more powerful than any other.
Fast forward and I am no longer an urban missionary. However, when I pray and intercede, you can be certain that I know whose name is above every other power and principality.
“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father,” Phil 2:10-11.
– Leah Burnett
Christ Fellowship