Deuteronomy 23:1-24:13; Luke 10:13-24; Psalm 75:6-10; Proverbs 18:14-15
NT: “The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that time he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, because this was your good pleasure. All things have been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal him.” Then turning to his disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you see but didn’t see them; to hear the things you hear but didn’t hear them.”” (Luke 10:17-24 CSB)
When the 72 followers of Jesus returned from their mission, they were full of joy. Jesus had given them authority, and they witnessed that authority enacted wherever they went. It truly is a thrilling thing to step out in faith and obedience, and then see the Lord honor His word and your faith by working powerfully through you. What a liberating feeling it is to know that the kingdom of darkness, though powerful, is no match for the kingdom that resides in you. Jesus knew all along that Satan and his minions had no power over the Kingdom of God. He was there when Satan was cast out of heaven. As wonderful as it is to know that you have power and authority over your enemies… that you no longer have to live as an oppressed person any longer, the greater joy is knowing that you have been fully liberated and are no longer subject to the kingdom of darkness, but are now an enrolled citizen in the unshakable Kingdom of God. To those who place their faith in Jesus Christ and fully follow Him, He will reveal the goodness of The Father and the mysteries of the Kingdom – and their names will stand written in the Book of Life and forever inscribed as members of the family of God and citizens of the Kingdom of heaven. The prophets and kings of old lived and died with the hope of seeing God’s promises fulfilled, but never did. What a great joy and privilege we have to be able to fully walk in the complete salvation of our souls and the fullness of kingdom life and grace. What an opportunity we have to bring the goodness and glory of the kingdom of heaven to bear on the earth, and see others experience the fullness of liberation and joy that we have.
Jamie Hicks 