December 30 Eternal Rejoicing

Luke 10:19-20 “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.”
 
JESUS moves from the short-term mission of the 72 into the long-term –  into eternity. He had gifted these missionaries with great healing powers for their work. No disease or demon could withstand their faithful work. Neither would poisonous snakes and deadly scorpions stop them.
   Some will take this Scripture to believe anyone who truly believes and follows Jesus is so empowered. And, indeed, some have been given such gifts, even to be immune to poisonous snakes. (See Paul’s encounter in Acts 28:4-5.) But we must know that this is a very specific power for a very specific time with an exact purpose.
   That’s why Jesus points to eternity. Yes, it is a wondrous thing to have such gifts for God’s Kingdom ministry. But these special marvels are not the most wonderful thing. The gifts the Spirit offers to us is to help others see Jesus’ power to heal, forgive and save. As Jesus ministered in the Spirit’s power, the Holy Spirit gives to gospel missionaries –  that’s you – such powers as teaching, praying, loving, communing, organizing, evangelizing and learning, so people may one day “rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.”
   Oh how great it is to experience the joy of someone’s healing. Many victorious moments in ministry are certainly cause for celebration. A true and deep rejoicing, though, comes from our hearts when we know the Christ has come to point us from our temporary lives into eternity.   
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the joy of your salvation. I pray joy blankets my heart, mind and soul as I consider your eternal gift to me. In your name I rejoice. Amen.