Luke 10: Something Worth Rejoicing

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

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.  However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:18-20 NIV

Sometimes, even Christians put emphasis on the wrong things.  We get excited when we see God's power at work in our lives.  But Jesus admitted that even people who were not disciples would be able to perform miracles when he said,    “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ - Matt. 7:21-22 NIV

You want to see power?  Look at Satan, look at the power he has in this world.  Power is not the answer, it is the relationship that is important.  Satan with all of his power ended up being thrown from heaven, falling like lightening.  We have the power and the authority, but we also have our names written in heaven.  That is something that only the children of God are able to say. That is something worth rejoicing about.