By Melissa Sergeant
Luke 10:19-20 (NASB) Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
Is it just me or does Jesus’ response surprise you? Earlier in the chapter, Jesus had sent 72 messengers ahead of him into every town and place he was about to go and minister. It was an urgent adventure; they were to take nothing with them and they were not to greet anyone they passed on the road. Their mission was to heal the sick and tell everyone the Kingdom of God was near. When they came back to Jesus they were as excited as a kid on Christmas because they had power over demons!!! Yet that is not where Jesus wanted their joy to come from, but instead from their salvation. At first glance it might seem like Jesus was being “a wet blanket” regarding their excitement… But whatever Jesus commands there is a reason and a protection that goes with it, even if we don’t see it.
If our joy is found in the “fireworks” or excitement of following Him, then what happens when we aren’t feeling it? Will we become disinterested when the journey of this life gets long and hard? When I read the stories of the saints who have gone before us like Elizabeth Elliot or Corrie Ten Boom, I read the highlights of their lives and I get tempted to elevate their mountain top experiences. I love working on mission’s trips and giving to others or serving at a retreat and watching people come to Christ. Those things are wonderful and are definitely an encouragement, but so much of the Christian walk is just being faithful. Getting up every morning and putting one foot in front of the other. Walking in a relationship with Him and standing on what He has promised us in His Word. Leaving the results of our lives to Him. He has already written our name in THE Book of Life. We aren’t chasing something; we already have everything we need. What more could we ever want? The fact that He uses us in His plan to save the world is just the cherry on top. We shouldn’t need the fireworks for an adrenaline high or a self-esteem boost. We are not riding the ups and downs of this world, we are just following our Savior to wherever He takes us, rejoicing in the fact that we know where we are headed when we breathe our last breath. He is so very good to us.
What does it look like for you to walk faithfully each day? What opportunities will you be ready for if you’re being faithful?
Prayer: Dear Lord, please restore to me the joy of your salvation. Thank you for opening my eyes and bringing me to a place of repentance and faith. I don’t ever want to get over what you have done to secure my name in the Book of Life. Help me to walk faithfully with you each day. Amen