The Greatest Reason to Rejoice!
“Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names have been written in heaven.” Luke10:20
Isn’t it great when you hold an event that is planned and it actually works out without a hitch? That can make you happy.
Another source of happiness can be when life goes on without any major setbacks. Even better if there are no perceived setbacks.
In Luke 10, Jesus had sent out 72 of his disciples to every town and place that he was planning to go. They were sent on a mission to get the places ready for him. They now had returned and reported to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17) The mission was successful. Jesus commented on that too, “I was watching Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (verse 18) It was a very beneficial time for Jesus’ ministry. It was also a good training experience for Jesus’ followers.
But life has a way of turning. Not everything always goes as we humans plan, even in God’s kingdom work. There are times when it looks as if God’s kingdom work is going backwards. The rejection of God’s Word as an absolute truth is one little example of how the world stands opposed to the Lord. When we are tempted to “lose the joy” remember this advice in today’s verse from Jesus.
There is no greater blessing that we can receive than the one the Holy Spirit has worked in our hearts through Word and sacrament. Look who we have become by God’s grace. It is great that the Lord gives us many days of joy when things go as we planned. But even on the days when we are tempted to doubt and question, remember the greatest reason to rejoice. Our names have been written in heaven!
Lord Jesus, thank you for that wonderful source of joy. Amen.