Nothing Like Success

 

 

 

 

 Lk 10:17-24

 Rejoicing

¹⁷ The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

¹⁸ He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

²¹ At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

²² “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

²³ Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. ²⁴ For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

There is nothing like the joy of succeeding on a mission or assignment. Exhilaration replaces apprehension, accomplishment surpasses anticipation. Our brief passage this morning is filled with the joy of success. We certainly need this kind of encouragement today with wars raging and election turmoil dominating the headlines. We have not formally been sent out two by two to preach and heal, but the mission is still ours and we can accomplish it in small ways in our families, workplaces and church communities by offering a helping hand or word of encouragement, or just a friendly smile or "hello."  Just acknowledging the presence of another can make the day for him or her. As Jesus sent out the seventy-two on their first mission, so he sends us as well. Let us be confident that the  Spirit who accompanied them, accompanies us and will be the cause of our rejoicing.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, send me to others with your Spirit and WE shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.