“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 NLT
Jesus followers get back together after being sent out to do exactly what Jesus had been doing – heal the sick, kick out demons, and declare the Kingdom of God. In this debrief, the disciples were ecstatic to discover that demons obeyed them… when they used Jesus name. This idea of accessible power through Jesus to deal with spiritual powers that ensnared and terrified humans, seriously impressed them. And, why wouldn’t it! The crazy discovery that all those amazing supernatural moments Jesus displayed power over elements (water to wine), over sickness, over nature (wind & waves), as well as demons would be available to them simply through faith and declaration of Jesus’ true nature of being God. It had them buzzing with excitement. Look what we can do, Jesus. But Jesus doesn’t allow them to focus nor celebrate for long.
Jesus says something so profound, so chilling that we still have a hard time understanding and processing what he said. “Be excited because your names made the list!” Have you ever made a reservation at your favorite restaurant, the kind that needs a reservation to eat there? Oftentimes, I use OpenTable because it’s quick and easy – plus, it reminds me of the time and place, putting it all in my digital calendar. Okay, it makes me feel smart and efficient – neither of which are my best attributes 🤭. When we arrive, they ask you… do you have a reservation? I would feel uneasy in the moment, if I had not followed the social rules of understanding what their posh services offered. I say “yes,” and give them my name. They look over their list, find my name, and look up. Their face lights up with a smile that says – welcome, you belong here. I’ve seen shows or movies that take it even further. If someone’s Father is a regular, a patron of the place, it’s even more bougie! Each server on duty is trained to know who their son or daughter is upon walking in the door. The perks are all setup to welcome them with an automatic reservation at their favorite table.
The point is this; which is better, bossing around a low-life, rebellious demon, heading to Gehenna, who cares nothing for you? Or Jesus greeting you at the gates of heaven with a hug and a huge smile, saying “welcome, we’ve been waiting for you!” Would I swap out my position of belonging to Jesus, belonging in heaven, for a few lousy moments of power over some pathetic creature whose only passion is torturing defenseless human souls? The evil spirits are forced to come under the authority of Jesus. We, as adopted sons and daughters, are given rights, position and even power because we are Gods – we belong to Him. Jesus is right, it is so much better to celebrate that belonging in comparison to making demons scurry back to their defeated master.
Prayer
Dad,
Belonging to you as a son is far better than bossing demons around! I’ve seen the arrogance that comes with those who become good at casting out demons. It did something to them, when they became comfortable exercising that authority given by you. I would not want to get used to that kind of power. I’ll take the power of belonging over excising demons every time! Thank you for my name being written in Your book. Thank you for knowing who has rescued me, redeemed me and adopted me into the Kingdom.