Scripture:
Luke 10:17-20 NKJV
[17] Then the seventy 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 give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. [20] Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Observation:
Being called into ministry is exciting and scary at the same time. It requires humility and boldness which almost seems like a contradiction. The boldness is not something that comes from you. As we look at today’s scripture I want us to go back to the beginning of the chapter. Looking at how it all starts. Jesus calls to HIM 70 men and empowers them with authority to do mighty works, casting out demons, healing the sick, and setting captives free. One of the important statements that is made, we find in verse 3, where HE says, “I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. I believe this statement is important because it brings the perspective into order. They were to remember who was important. Not elevating themselves. Jesus knew that, as men, they would have a tendency to get puffed up with pride once they realized the authority that had been given to them. As we flash forward to their return we find that to be absolutely true. HE knew it would be a problem, so HE wanted to make sure out of the gate that they knew their position. I could imagine that the journey was exciting. All the things they had an opportunity to be a part of. Watching demons fall to the ground, seeing the sick healed, and those who were bound truly set free, and realizing the victory they had been given from the beginning of time. How amazing it must have been. As they started giving their report, though, a few words hit the ear of Jesus that HE felt like needed to be corrected before they got too puffed up. The disciples had returned with excitement and enthusiasm. I can hear them telling all the stories, “Did you see what happened when I laid hands on that man who was so aggressively spewing hatred and discontent? That’s nothing, bro. I laid my hands on a blind guy, and he regained his sight.” They had taken their eyes off what was important, and it needed to be corrected. The authority they had been given became their focus, and honestly its an easy thing to focus on. But there was something more important standing right in front of them. Their names had been written in heaven. As these words hit the ear of Jesus, HE felt it necessary to bring everything back to the right way of thinking, using the pride that caused Satan to fall from heaven. HE points out that focusing on the authority rather than the salvation was a big issue. You see HE knew that the victory had been given at the beginning of time after the fall in the garden. I believe the words were something like, “The seed of the woman will crush your head and you will bruise HIS heel.” With those words, victory was given, and salvation was put into action. The truth only had to be received, and only then would the authority be given. Satan’s pride caused his fall from heaven and that same pride was rising up in these men. It needed to be corrected. Authority to trample serpents and scorpions was given, but salvation was always to be the focus. That’s what brings it all into perspective. Jesus wanted to make sure that humility and meekness were the stances of these men. As HE continued to speak HE rejoiced in the fact that the kingdom was advancing yet continuing in the shift in perspective keeping the focus on who HE is and the reason HE came by saying in verse 24, “For i tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” HE is our focus.
Application:
Ministry is exciting and scary at the same time. Staying right-sized is important. We have a tendency to start elevating ourselves and forget who has done the work. Remembering that it’s not about us or our ministry. It’s always about HIM and what HE did. HE paid a price to give us authority. Rejoicing over the authority takes the focus away from what HE did. Pride is so dangerous. It makes us think we are something. It makes us feel like we are better than, or that we know more. When we begin to elevate our selves GOD will bring us right back to the foot of the cross. Its something I know from experience. The only thing that is important to focus on is HIM if we start taking our eyes off of that and placing them on what we think we can do. We will quickly find out how small we really are and how BIG HE truly is. We are only saved by HIS grace, not the authority HE has given, but the victory HE gave us at the beginning of time. I never want to get so big that I think I am something that I’m not. HE paid a price for me, and yes HE wants to use me, but it’s all about HIM and HIS kingdom. Rejoice in the fact that HE has given you salvation. Stay right-sized. Don’t get so big that you think you are something. The ax is laid at the root of the tree. The root of all sin is pride. Its all about HIS kingdom. A kingdom HE has invited you into. All you have to do is receive the victory that has already been won. It was won at the cross, where shame, guilt, fear, and death were all defeated. Let no one lie to you victory is already yours. Receive it freely with the salvation HE died to give you. Rejoice in that salvation and use the authority given as a result of it. Don’t get it out of perspective. Its all about HIM not you. We are nothing without what HE did.
Prayer:
Father, help us to stay right-sized. We know that you did it all, you paid it all. We are but clay pots that hold a treasure that only you can provide. We want to be filled with your Holy spirit. Understanding that its all about you. As we begin to step into the ministry that you have called us to help us to keep our perspective correct. Its not about what we can do its about what you have already done. You said it at the beginning of the book we have victory the difference between crushed and bruised is the statement that says so. Let us rejoice only in what you have done. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.