09/01/2023
As the day for Jesus departure drew ever closer, we find Him preparing men for a ministry that would shortly be handed over to them. The context of these words is the return of the 70 (or 72) disciples that Jesus had sent out to evangelize and prepare His way to Jerusalem. When the 70 return and give their report, they are joyful and a little surprised that “even the demons submit to us in your name”. Jesus’ first words in reply are, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”. The success of these commissioned disciples – especially their authority over demonic spirits – caused Jesus to speak of the fall of Satan, when he fell as quick and dramatic as lightning from heaven. In remembering the fall of Satan, Jesus also warned them against pride. After all, if Satan could fall like lightning from his place of high spiritual status and privilege, so could they. Jesus initially responds with encouragement regarding the authority he had given to them, but he also challenges them regarding their misplaced joy. Power and authority cannot be our primary source of joy, because it is a fleeting and temporary experience.
Power and authority tend to have a corrupting influence. Whenever fallen men and women gain some level of influence, unless strong checks and balances are in place, you can bet that corruption will follow. Everlasting joy does not develop out of temporary power, but hope in a future reward. It must have been quite an honor to have been chosen to become one of the 12, or one of the 70, and to be endowed with the responsibility, power, and authority, that Christ gave to these disciples. But He was quick to point out that their joy should not be focused on the gifts, abilities, honor, and acclaim, that God had graciously bestowed on them - but rather, that they should rejoice that their names were written in the Book of Life. Today, God wants us to always see that what He did for us always is far greater than what we could ever do for Him. Praise God that in Christ, our sins have been forgiven and eternal life is our present possession. And although we should delight to praise God for the many blessings we receive from Him, day by day, let us rejoice in heart, soul, mind, and strength that our names are written in heaven. We invite you to join our Monday podcast as we take a closer look @ Luke 10:16-21, " The joy of the seventy and Jesus’ warning. "