Where is Your Name Written?

Scripture: Luke 10:17-20 (ESV)

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.”

Devotion:

            The words we read above are the conclusion to the story that began in verse 1 of this chapter in Luke. Jesus chose and sent seventy-two of his followers out two by two into the land to proclaim the gospel, heal the sick, and free those oppressed by the devil and his demons. The followers come back with a glowing report. Their mission was a success. The sources of oppression that plagued the people had been defeated. The experience overjoyed them.

            What was Jesus’ response? He, too, felt their joy. Jesus declared that He had personally seen the fall of Satan from heaven to earth. He knew that Satan and his army were defeated foes and rejoiced that God had given such authority to ordinary men and women. Jesus knew the ultimate victory would be won soon by the power of his death on the cross and His resurrection. However, Jesus could rejoice with His disciples in the small victories won.

            Jesus says that they should not rejoice in the power of God that the seventy-two were given to do battle. Instead, they should rejoice that their names were written in heaven. In other places in scripture, we learn that there are books in heaven that contain all the deeds of men and women. Judgment will be handed down based on what is written there. Some will be judged to live, and some will be judged to die as their eternal fate.

            These followers would inherit eternal life with Jesus in heaven. What about us? What will be God’s judgment concerning us? There is spiritual warfare, and we are part of it today. We may never have to drive out sickness, demons, and push back the power of the enemy. But all of us will be in the battle in one way or another. If we are Christians there is no escaping this fact. All it takes is a cursory examination of our culture today to see the depth of depravity and immorality that crowds around us. One good look at our situation tells us that we must do something to stop the moral free fall that we are in. Let us pray that God will give us the strength and courage to do our part in this war for souls that rages all around us.

Prayer:

            Lord, we know you have given us the same authority you gave the seventy-two in today’s scripture. If we are obedient to your call, we, too, can win our daily skirmishes with the powers of darkness in the world. Give us wisdom and discernment as to the right course of action to take in the fight. Encourage us when the world seems dark and full of despair. Help us always remember that you are on the throne, and you will be the ultimate victor in this war. Amen.