Names Written In Heaven

Luke 10:17-20 - 17 Then the seventy 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 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.20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, butrather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Earlier in His ministry, Jesus had sent His 12 disciples on mission to the northern towns of Israel, where He was popular. Now, He sends a wider group of followers to the southern regions of Israel, where there is more hostility towards Jesus.

Likewise, we might feel that we are being sent out into a world which is increasingly antagonistic towards the gospel. Nevertheless, just like those early disciples, Jesus doesn't send us out on mission without first equipping us. He gives us authority over the powers of darkness. We can bring healing and deliverance to people who are enslaved to sickness, sin and Satan.

However, in spite of all the signs and wonders which accompany the proclamation of the gospel, our joy should be focused not so much on the supernatural manifestations which God chooses to work through us, but, rather, on the fact that our names are written in heaven. Our salvation is more important than our gifting. This is also the case for people whom we bring to faith. As wonderful as it is to witness them being released from sickness and evil spirits, seeing them come through to faith is a greater cause for rejoicing.

This doesn't mean that we should be dismissive of signs and wonders. The Holy Spirit uses these to confirm the truth and reality of the gospel, but people need to be brought into a saving relationship with the Giver, rather than merely be enthralled by His gifts and blessings.

So, let's use the authority which has been given to us to bring release to people, but let's not stop there - we need to bring them fully into God's Kingdom, ensuring that their names are recorded in heaven.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many gifts and blessings which You lavish upon us. Thank You that You give us authority over the evil one and that we can bring release to people who are bound by the enemy. Yet, greater than that, we thank You that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and that You have given us the ministry of reconciliation so that we can introduce people to You and see them become born again by Your Holy Spirit. Please help us as we go out on mission, that many more names will be written in heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen!