Week #14 – Rejoice That Your Names are Written in Heaven

Luke 10:17-20 – The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

The 72 returned, not complaining of the hardships, opposition and discouragement they met with, but rejoicing in their success – especially that the demons submitted to their authority.  Although only healing of the sick and preaching the kingdom were mentioned in their commission (v.9), apparently their authority included casting out devils.  They had such success in this arena that they returned to report on their assignment with joy.  They recognized and acknowledged that their authority over the demons was through the name of the One who sent them.  Each of us should be keenly aware that all OUR victories over Satan will only be accomplished by the power and authority of Jesus’ name!  We too, must remember to give Him all the praise for each victory over evil.  The 72 found great joy and comfort that the name of Jesus was more powerful than any demon they would face.  If the demons submit to us, what can stand against us?

How did Jesus receive their report?  He replied that His heart and eye went along with them and that He had taken notice of their success.  “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”  Satan and his kingdom fell before the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom of God!  As they pressed forward with the message of God’s kingdom and took ground for Christ, Satan lost ground.  He falls as lightning falls from heaven – so suddenly, so visibly and so irrevocably that everyone can see how Satan’s kingdom totters and tumbles!  The disciples were victorious in casting demons out of people’s bodies, but Christ Jesus sees and rejoices in the fall of Satan from his dominion over souls.  Jesus foresees this as a down payment on the extermination of idolatry, the destruction of Satan’s kingdom, and the turning of the nations to faith in Him!  Satan falls from heaven when he falls from the throne in men’s hearts.  Our Lord foresaw that the preaching of the gospel would blast Satan’s kingdom to pieces wherever it is proclaimed.

Power can go to your head though, especially if you’ve never had any. The disciples–mainly farmers and fishermen–were overwhelmed to discover their spiritual authority. Jesus urged them to keep it in perspective. Their salvation, He said–their names written in heaven–mattered more than their power.  So, these words may well have been meant for caution, lest they be puffed up with pride.  Pride was the sin for which Satan was cast down from heaven, where he had been an angel of light.  So, don’t be lifted up with pride and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Then, He enlarged their commission by giving them power to trample on snakes and scorpions.  We could say, “Unto him that hath, to him that proves faithful, shall more be given!”  They had been faithful in their mission for God’s kingdom, and now the Lord entrusts them with even greater authority.  They will tread upon the head of His enemies until every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed!  But, He directs them to turn their celebration to the right channel.  Rejoice because your names are written in heaven!  Rejoice because you are chosen of God for eternal life!  Rejoice because you are now the children of God through faith! Power to become the children of God is to be valued far more than power to work miracles or cast out demons!  Our salvation is much more precious and worthy of more rejoicing than all our spiritual gifts and authority!  Thank you Lord, for saving my soul!

Thursday: Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.

Friday: Pray for the Good News families of the week: Phil DiMora, Ruth Doolittle, Adam Doud.

Saturday: Give thanks that Satan’s kingdom must submit to the authority of Jesus’ name!

Sunday: Worship the One whose kingdom, power and glory is forever!

Monday: Pray that others will receive the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus!

Tuesday: Rejoice that your name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life!

Wednesday: Celebrate with those who put their faith in Christ and have their names written in heaven.