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.” 21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
Luke 10 :17-24
What achievements in life are worth celebrating? Graduation from college; promotion and salary increase; successful research; new product launch; church revival?
The 70 disciples were sent by the Lord to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons. They experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, healed the sick, cast out unclean spirits, and many believed in the Lord! They were all excited about their success! It is definitely something to be excited about!
Conversely, during my midlife crisis, I felt depressed and accomplished nothing. My career was mediocre; the church did not have any great revival; the children were rebellious, and my soul was lonely. But this Bible reminded me once again, not to rejoice in the accomplishment of the successful ministry and the overcome of the devils, but to rejoice that our names are written in heaven!
What is rejoice in the LORD? Do we see the grace of God more gratifying than the accomplishments of our lives? We often pay attention to the results of our efforts and hard work, but forget that today we are already greatly blessed! Whether our life is successful or not, have we seen the more important things in life? What should we rejoice at?
Are you happy that your name is written in heaven? Your name is written in the book of the Life of the Lamb. The Lord ransomed you with his blood! Your name is carved on the heart of our loving Heavenly Father!
“He knows all your ways.” (Psalms 139:3)
“He has counted your hair. ” (Matthew 10:29-31)
“He will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.. ” (Zephaniah 3:17)
“He loves to hug you, kiss you, and celebrate for you.” (Luke 15:11-32)
Song:
The Glorious Vision of New Jerusalem
1. New Jerusalem! This most glorious vision
Captures my heart, is my dream, drive and joy!
O sweetest union! The Lord is my Be – loved!
This love fully satisfies my heart.
I’m God’s dearest, born of Him; He is my dearest Abba;
This highest love satisfies my heart.
3. New Jerusalem is God’s tabernacle! ‘Tis His eternal, sweet resting place,
And our fairest, warmest heavenly home! God, man in love, fully satisfied!
Enthralled in oneness with God and with one another,
Love and joy forever overflow!
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 