Have you ever seen a miracle happen right in front of you? I’m talking about someone miraculously receiving their sight or hearing; limbs growing; instant healing; or someone being amazingly set free from demonic oppression?
This is what the 72 people that Jesus sent out ahead of him experienced (see this post regarding their sending in Luke 10:1-4). And what absolutely amazed them was that the demons responsible submitted to them because of the power in the name of Jesus.
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 10:17-20 (NIV)
Jesus’ response to their joy reveals that there is something more happening behind the scenes. In the natural, they had gone out proclaiming the message of Jesus in a few towns, casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But Jesus maintains something significant was simultaneously happening in the spiritual realm. Satan was suffering a massive defeat. The power of the enemy was being overcome as they brought the name of Jesus into people’s situations.
However, the demons obeying them was not to have their attention. As amazing as these things were, there was an even greater reality they needed to grasp hold of. This was only happening because the Kingdom of heaven (ie. the rule or reign of God) had come among them (Luke 10:9).
Your kingdom come
Focusing on results and achievement is something our current culture will always push us towards. That’s not to say that these are not important – but results, particularly transformed lives, are a by-product of what God is doing.
Jesus’ command “Do not rejoice…” should serve as a warning for us. It’s not about our achievements at all. This is about God’s plan being outworked. As Jesus says, “Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
Luke 10:21-24 (NIV)
What an amazing privilege we have, to be invited to partner with God in His mission. To see God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Luke 11:2).
When we see miraculous things begin to happen, Jesus’ response sets a really good example as to how we ought to react. Firstly, let’s make sure we grasp the larger picture – acknowledging that it’s not about us, but about God and His kingdom rule. And secondly, let’s rejoice and thank God for the absolute privilege we have, to see His plans and purposes unfold. I can’t think of a better way to respond.
