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.”
Observation:
I was wondering what the Holy Spirit wanted me to write about this morning. And to be honest, what crossed my mind was the lies of the enemy. Then I ran across this in the bible app. Let’s take a look. Jesus had sent out 72 disciples to share the good news. If you have red the bible, you will remember HIM giving a list of instructions about how to operate, don’t take anything extra, don’t even take any money… but that’s not what important they are back and excited about how thismngs went down. Coming to Jesus, they start to marvel about how they had been able to cast out demons. The authority they had been given was awesome. They would speak, and the demons would leave. As Jesus was paying attention to what they were saying and their enthusiasm about it. HE noticed that they were over focused on the authority and had forgotten the matter at hand. They had a place in heaven. A home with their name on it. Going back to verse 18, I want to look at it for a minute, I believe there is something that could be missed if we are not careful. Why did Jesus mention Satan falling from heaven??…and in the very same breath, tell the disciples the authority is good, but let’s remember the point of it. We all know that Satan was, at one point, an angle who had gotten very prideful, and in fact, though, he was just as good if not better than GOD HIMSELF. that’s what caused his fall from heaven. He had power… but GOD HIMSELF has the authority. Maybe you’re starting to see my point. Jesus had given the disciples authority, but HE did not want that authority to be their main forces. It could be a distraction from the purpose of having it.
Application:
I have a question. I bet you’re not surprised by that. My question is, what is the end goal for you. Before we go any further, I want you to know you have been given authority over the enemy. That’s something we all need to know. It’s important… you have the ability to cast out demons, and you are authorized by Jesus christ HIMSELF to do so. But if that’s the ending point, there is no point. One thing that Satan forgot is that he had a place in heaven. He got caught up in the power he had been given and forgot the most important thing. He got to be in the presence of GOD almighty. Maybe you are awe struck by the authority you have been given… believe me, I understand when you see addicts set free from chains of addiction and cycles of family abuse broken, not to mention people being healed the lame walk the blind see and the lepers able to be a part of society. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the authority. However, let’s keep our eyes on the destination. The authority is very important… but it’s the vehicle… where you are going is the more important part of all of it. A car without a destination will sit in the garage, but if you give that car a destination, then you have a reason to pull it out of the garage and drive it. Yes, you have been given authority. Don’t forget that… but use that authority for the purpose of furthering the kingdom. Your destination is heaven.
Prayer:
Father. You see it all and know it all. Help us to stay focused on what’s important and not get puffed up with pride. The authority you have given us is for your purpose, not ours. It’s to build your kingdom, not our influence. Help us to stay right sized. Knowing that all of this is about you and who you are. Not what we can do. Let us not turn your authority into the focus of what we are here for. Show us how to use it correctly. Maintaining the purpose of it. We were made for you, and our lives are for your glory… not ours. May everything that is done through us bring you the utmost glory in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.