Jesus is Essential
Luke 10:17–20: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
If you are rich, do not rejoice in your wealth, because your riches will fly away. Instead, rejoice that your name is written in Heaven. If you are a person of learning, thank God for it and use it to his glory. But do not make it your source of joy. Rather, rejoice that your name is written in Heaven.
Do you have a position of leadership in Christ’s church? Thank God and glorify him in it. But rejoice first that your name is in the Book of Life. Do you have great gifts? Has God used you? Is he using you now? Fine. But rejoice first and foremost in this: your name is written in Heaven. As Dwight Moody said the Christmas before his death: “To see his star is good, but to see his face is better.” 1
Walking with Jesus
If you are currently struggling with some personal issues in life right now, and you are feeling a sense of despair and discouragement, perhaps the Lord may want to draw your attention to His book in heaven. Your name is written in heaven. Heaven awaits your arrival. Reservations are confirmed. Rejoice, as your future is secure today.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17–18
You may feel insignificant on earth, but your name is known in heaven.
Praying
Lord, thank You for giving me new reasons to rejoice in You today.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1998). Luke: that you may know the truth. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
