THE JOY OF THE LORD

Luke 10:17-24 / Keywords 10:20

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

 

10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

1. The seventy-two disciples who were sent out by Jesus returned with great joy. They were bold and courageous witnesses who had no idea about the reception they would receive or the situations they would face. However, God blessed them and worked through them. In Jesus’ name, even the demons submitted to them. There is joy in serving Jesus! When someone turns to Jesus after years of praying for them or when fruit begins to appear in the life of a Bible student, we experience a similar joy. The greatest joy we have, though, is in the joy of our salvation. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, our sins have been forgiven and our names have been written in the kingdom of heaven. Ministry successes come and go, but the new and abundant life we have in Christ is forever.

 

2. Do you work for a grumpy boss? If so, that is no fun at all! In contrast, Jesus, our true Lord and Master, is full of love and joy. He delights in the many blessings of God that come through him. Jesus praised God for choosing the humble to reveal the mysteries of salvation. He rejoiced that God put all things under his control and that he could reveal the Father to anyone he chose. He also rejoiced that his disciples could see the Messiah and his mighty works, something that kings and prophets had longed to see.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, grant us your joy.

One Word Your names are written in heaven