Luke 10: 20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Dear God,
I rejoice in Your endless abundant love and mercy and these are just two of the attributes that You always show toward we the undeserving inhabitants of earth; myself in particular. Thank You that You gave this earth Your Son. I appreciate more and more the biblical record of His sinless life, sacrifice and ministry. For You knew that for we that have come later in earth’s history, it was imperative for our salvation that we be able to read the examples of His sinless life, ministry and sacrifice in the Holy Scriptures. Not only do we learn of Jesus on earth, but of You, Father God and of the whole salvation story. We are truly saved by Your grace and it is amazing!
In today’s portion of scripture; Luke 10: 20 – 24, I read of the seventy disciples who had returned from their mission, after they had been anointed by Jesus to heal and cast out demons in the name of God at the behest of Jesus. These abilities amazed the 70 – but the gifts of the Spirit that they manifested, were not to be rejoiced over as much by them, as having their names written in heaven. Our beginning text gives the message of Jesus telling them, that God’s kingdom of heaven, is the natural place, for all God’s children. Hallelujah! It is good to know that the desire for us to make heaven our home will come to us, as we put aside our other self-centred desires, and simply obey You our God.
Jesus rejoiced over the blessing of these disciples, and their ministry, v.21, “Then Jesus rejoiced with them and prayed, ‘I thank you, Father. Truly you are the master of heaven and earth. In your wisdom you didn’t share Your power with the brilliant and successful, but with those who are as innocent as little children. This is the way you always do things.’” (“Clear Word” Translation)
Jesus always uplifted His Father, whilst on earth, as given in v. 22, for no one knew His Father as He did, or Himself as the Father did. Jesus revealed You His Father, and it was the perfect opportunity for Jesus to do so whilst He was on earth, because as we behold Jesus, we behold You; because He told us that You and He are one in all things.
I pray that I (we) will grow more and more to seek and appreciate these learning times, and meditate upon the implications for me (us), when we read about, Jesus pointing out to the disciples how privileged they had been to see and hear what they had, during their association with Him in His life and ministry. Remembering the many others had longed to do so, and did not have the chance; and neither do we, but Jesus has given for us, sufficient teaching, so we can know Him; and of His work.
I appreciate this privilege, and seek also to have my name written in heaven. I praise Your name and rejoice in the everyday hope of the soon coming of Jesus.
Amen