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There is a story in Luke’s gospel (chapter 10) that tells of 72 men who Jesus sent out to “heal the sick” and declare, “the kingdom of God has come near to …
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There is a story in Luke’s gospel (chapter 10) that tells of 72 men who Jesus sent out to “heal the sick” and declare, “the kingdom of God has come near to you.”
They go out on their mission and then return to Jesus. Upon their return they tell Jesus in verse 17, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
They are obviously amazed and filled with “joy,” we are told. What Jesus says next has always fascinated me. Jesus says, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Now why are Jesus’ words so interesting to me? It is because his response is not, “good job guys.” Nor is it, “you guys are exhibiting great faith.” He tells them demon submission is not the most important thing. Jesus later says to not “rejoice” in this. He tells them to “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus is reminding all of us in this account that our rejoicing is not in our feats or accomplishments as Christians. It is not in our abilities or talents. It is not in our works or credentials. He says our rejoicing is in the fact that we are redeemed by Christ, and Christ alone. Paul said, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord,” I Corinthians 1:31.
Our salvation, our going to heaven, our being redeemed, and our works we do for Jesus is because of what he has done for us. This is why Paul declares in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
All of our boasting, praising, and rejoicing belong to Jesus Christ. He, and he alone deserves all the glory.
In the words of the beautiful hymn by Fanny Crosby:
To God be the glory, great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
and give him the glory, great things he has done!
(Tim Morrow is the pastor of New Life Church of Powell.)
