ALL’S WELL…
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.”
Luke 10:17-20 (NIV)
Do you remember a time when you achieved something that made you feel really good? I remember graduating from high school. We were outside at the football field. It was near sunset—beautiful, clear sky. I was surrounded by family and friends. We threw our caps into the air when we were announced as graduates. I had finally arrived!
Three months later, in a college dorm room, I was overwhelmed by the start of the next part of this journey we call life. I remember my dad’s words to me when I graduated high school. That day when he said, Now it really begins. Man, was he ever right about that!
What has brought you joy or happiness? Those moments are probably etched in your memory, but the feeling might be gone. I call it the echo effect. You can recall the memory, but the feelings are not as sharp as they used to be.
Jesus talks to the disciples as they come back from a successful journey, where they are excited about the results. Even the demons listened to us, they say. They are fired up that they won. Jesus recalibrates their focus. Jesus brings to the forefront that their joy should be in the fact that their names are written in Heaven. Jesus sees the eternal, whereas the disciples see the temporary.
Why does Jesus do this? Because this joy will never fade. This joy is eternal. Being in Heaven with our Father, with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and our brothers and sisters is definitely something we can rejoice in… forever!
APPLICATION: Reflect on joyful moments in your life. Praise God for those moments. Then reflect on what it means to have your name written in heaven. Write a thank you to God for His goodness to you. Keep it in the devotion booklet to refer back to when needed.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for reminding me that I can rejoice over my name being written in the Book of Life! Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?