The Joy of the Believers

Devotional Reading: The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17‭, ‬20 ESV

The 72 men in Luke 10 had a simple job. They were the “advance men” for Jesus’ ministry. They were to visit the different towns Jesus would visit over the next few months and prepare the way for Him. They were also to heal people and cast out demons in Jesus’ name, and they were to preach one simple message: “the Kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 10:9-11)

And when they got back – they were so excited! They never had anything like this happen before. They were changing lives. They were doing something important. But Jesus does the oddest thing:

20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

Why would Jesus tell them not to rejoice in what they did? Because they already have joy weather or not they heal the sick. Joy happens when we are in relationship with God. We do not pursue joy, we pursue God.

There are two kinds of joy: Joy of this world and joy of the Lord. The “joy of this world” is based on who I am, what I can do and what I have. But Jesus said: Do not rejoice in what you have done. Rejoice in what God has done for you – our salvation.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalms 126:3)

Our joy is in the Lord and His activity in our lives. Joy is not a man thing, it is a God thing. It is not about what man did, it is about what Jesus had done on the cross. Jesus said they should rejoice in the fact that God has written their names down in “the book”. Since our names are written down in Heaven, we now have the power to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us.

Prayer and Confession
Father, thank You for writing my name in heaven. Help me know that true happiness is knowing my eternal place as Your son and daughter. I have joy in You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Further Reading: 1Peter 1:8-9