Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 (NKJV)
What a distinct honour and privilege to be chosen by God and to be empowered by Him for purpose. This chapter highlights that seventy followers of Jesus were appointed and sent out two by two to manifest the Kingdom of God. They obeyed and returned celebrating the power of God over the kingdom of darkness. Yet Jesus admonished His followers not to rejoice because demons are subject to them in His name, rather, to rejoice because they were marked present in the heavenly register of eternal life.
The name of Jesus is the name above every other name; all-powerful and supernatural. Many of us can testify of triumphs over attacks and schemes of evil forces; we can testify of the miraculous hand of God and the healing virtues experienced when we call on the name of Jesus. I can remember having nightmares as a child that would only end by calling on the name of Jesus.
Life is spiritual. Unseen forces are real and play no small part in our daily lives whether young or old. They are both good and evil spiritual forces at work in our world. We are encouraged by Scripture that in Christ we have authority over spirits – those unseen forces. Yes! spirits that bring sickness, deception, blindness, bondage inter alia, are subject to us in Jesus’ name. Let us arise and exercise such authority daily that the Kingdom of God would be made manifest but rejoice in our names being written in Heaven. We are totally free from the bonds of death and damnation, having received eternal life in Christ. Hallelujah!
This is the ultimate celebration.
Decision:
If you have not yet received this gift of salvation by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I encourage you to do so today – 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us He is available to help you.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of salvation and eternal life in Christ Jesus your Son. Lord Jesus, I believe in You. I am a sinner and I ask You dear Lord to forgive me of all my sins. I surrender my entire life to You, come into my heart, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Luke 10:1-24
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 27:7-14; Mark 10:13-31; Leviticus 4; Leviticus 5:1-13
