But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20, GNT

 

Joy, excitement, pride – don’t we human beings love to do well! There’s just something about achievement – great or small – that stirs us, when we feel that sense of triumph after a job well done; especially something new and challenging. It encourages us to continue and to want to do even better. Daily, of course, we achieve many essential things in the normal course of life, but here, we’re reflecting on those exceptional moments that enrich our memories and change our lives.

 

We need to see achievement in perspective, however, and not stay on cloud nine; success in anything needs to be tempered with humility, and a realistic memory of the hard work and attention that had to be applied to achieve it, and keep it valid.

 

We also have to remember that there are many more important things in life besides that moment. Sometimes, it’s when we achieve significantly that we forget who we are, and where we came from, and our head is turned, and we lose sight of how and why we are in this position and what God’s purpose for us is, in it.

 

It was natural for the seventy-two to come back full of joy because they had gone out obediently, as Jesus had sent them, accomplished the work and had tasted great power in the spiritual realm – something, the like of which they’d never experienced before – and were, in all likelihood, still incredulous at what they’d achieved.

 

Jesus affirms them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”, confirms that He has given them authority to “ overcome all the power of the Enemy” and rejoices that God was pleased to reveal this privilege to uneducated, humble men rather than the “wise and learned”. (Luke 10:18-19,21) However, Jesus warns them to keep right thinking: to know that “your name is written in heaven” is something exceedingly more precious to rejoice over, than even great works He gives you to do. Elsewhere He asks, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Matthew 16:26a, NIV)

 

It is that connection to Jesus that puts our life and work, all for His purpose, into perspective. When we don’t take our eyes off Him and forget that we are where we are because He commissioned us, we won’t become proud or arrogant, but will give Him the glory and truly rejoice.

 

Prayer: Dearest Father, Thank you that through Jesus Christ our Saviour, our names can be written in heaven, and we can rejoice because that is more important than anything else in the world. May I live to serve You by the power that is in His name. Amen