Luke 10:17-24 (click to view Scripture below)
Your reading today from Luke’s Gospel records the ministry of a group of Jesus’ followers. He appoints them to go out and face the same challenges that He has faced in ministry. He gives them instruction and encouragement as He sends them out.
They return with reports of great results. He affirms them and the effectiveness of their ministry. But then He seems to caution them about their excitement and redirects their exuberance back toward more basic issues. He instructs them not to get caught up in the sheer wonder of miraculous signs. He instructs them to remember that the One who gave them power over danger and the demonic, also had the power to give them eternal life. (v.20)
He goes on to tell the disciples how blessed they are to see the power of God displayed in such extraordinary ways. (v.23) He reminds them that there are people of earthly power who have a lust after even more power. Jesus cautions his disciples that the kind of transforming power that He brings can never be seen by people who want power for their own advancement. (v.24)
In our world we increasingly see the pursuit of power as a high profile goal. Corporations seek power to market their products more effectively. People seek power to influence others toward their perspective or opinion. All of us are experienced in the power struggles that cause tensions in human relationships. The 21st century is no different than the time in which Jesus lived. Position and power are natural human goals that people strive to achieve. Our reading today should grab us and clearly remind us that the power of eternal dimension, that writes our name in heaven, is something to treasure and only God Himself can give that gift to us!
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer: Lord, we need your miraculous power in our lives every day. But may we never tire of realizing that there is no miracle greater than our name written in heaven!
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Luke 10:17-24 (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.”
21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
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Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.