City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

¹⁷ The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” ¹⁸ And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. ²⁰ Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

–Luke 10:17-20 ESV

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses give us all a reason to rejoice. Not only does it show us that Jesus equips those He sends out with power over the enemy, but even better–an eternal relationship with God is made available to us in Christ Jesus. 

The seventy-two disciples returned with joy saying even the demons were subject to them. Jesus expounds on this by saying Satan has fallen, and He then authorizes the disciples to tread on serpents and scorpions without being harmed. 

However, to prevent any power tripping here, Jesus says something profound: “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (v. 20). 

This is the key to preventing pride and burnout: don’t overlook your powersource. Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that power was flowing through them, not to them. God authorizes us to carry out the power and purposes of His Kingdom because of who He is, and not in any way because we’re qualified. As I’ve heard it said before: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”

Remembering and rejoicing in our relationship with God is what keeps God’s power and purposes flowing through our lives. While it is so encouraging to see the enemy disarmed by the power of Christ in us, the biggest, most wonderful miracle is that God is with us, and we get to be with Him forever.

Application

What is something that would make you rejoice if you saw it happen in your life? Perhaps being healed from a physical ailment or seeing someone set free from a demonic addiction or stronghold. No matter what it is, experiencing that miracle firsthand or by ministering to someone else is not our primary basis to rejoice per Jesus. 

Jesus clearly says do not rejoice because the demons are subject to you, but rejoice that your name is written in heaven. 

What we do for God is secondary to who we are in God. If you have received Jesus as your Lord and savior, you are eternally His. Rejoice in that! 

Prayer

Father God, forgive me that at times I overlook the biggest miracle of my life: Your Presence in my life and eternal security in Christ. Thank You for writing my name in heaven and for showing me who I am to You. I am Yours forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.