Introduction
Many Christians take pride in their positions and responsibilities in the Kingdom of Christ more than their salvation. They are consumed and enraptured by their activities in Christ to the extent that they lose focus of the salvific work of Christ Jesus, their messiah. This newsletter draws attention to the relevance of rejoicing in Christ for our new position in Him.
The Sending out of the Seventy
Jesus commissioned seventy of His disciples to go out in twos and evangelize from house to house into some cities where he intended to go later on. He gave them power and authority to cast out devils and heal the sick (Luk 10:9), and He told them:
“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house” (Luk 10:1-5).
The disciples went out as they had been instructed by Jesus, and many mighty works were done by them. The promise has gone out already from the mouth of God that those who would obey His command for missions, and act on it, signs and wonders shall follow them (Mar 16:17). No wonder, the disciples returned with excitement because of those things they experienced on the mission field. They narrated their story to Jesus Christ.
The Debriefing
In their astonishment and excitement, the seventy reported, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name” (Luk 10:17). The truth remains that the name of Jesus has been lifted high above every other name. At the mention of this name, every knee submits and every tongue declares that Jesus is Lord in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth to the glory of God (Php 2: 7-11).Lame walked at the mention of the name Jesus Christ (Acts 3: 6). Demons were cast out of people at the mention of the name Jesus (Acts 16:18). Demons even know of the power in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:15). They believe it and tremble at the mention of it (Mar 1:24, Jams 2: 19).
Jesus´s Response
Jesus looked at His disciples as He listened to them and said unto them, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Luk 10:18). He affirmed that He has given them the power over serpent and scorpions and over every power of the enemy and nothing can hurt you (Luk 10:19). He added, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luk 10:20).
According to Jesus, it is not enough to perform miracles and be occupied with the things of God. Though important, what is needful is that you have your name written in the book of life. This is true because “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mat 7:22-23). By implication, doing the work of God is good but that would not take you to heaven. What God desires for you is your genuine and personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Be active in God´s business but be determined to have your name written in Heaven.
Conclusion
Some people may be able to use the name of Jesus Christ to do signs and wonders but that would not take them to heaven because their relationship with God may not be genuine. Believers must strive to serve God with the genuineness of their hearts because signs and wonders are the bi-product of our salvation and faith in God. It is good to be busy doing the work of God but what excels them all is your personal relationship with the Son.
Prayer: May God give us all a deeper revelation about Himself so that we shall endeavor to know Him better as we grow in Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.