Luke 10:17-21

Luke 10:17-21 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.” 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 was your good pleasure.

The seventy-two returned to Jesus triumphantly. They had seen the sick cured, the demoniac delivered, and the brokenhearted healed. They had seen God's power displayed openly through their prayers and words. “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” They were emotionally on top of the world. Jesus rejoices with them by exclaiming that he saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Jesus knew Satan's absolute power over mankind had been broken and would never be the same. Jesus also rejoiced because this power over Satan did not come at the hands of the learned, the wise, the elite of the world; it came through the unlearned, the simple, the powerless. “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."

If the learned and wise had performed these marvelous works, then the power of God would have come through those with special knowledge, wisdom, and status, those who could afford a good education and who had authority with men. Then, these miraculous acts of God would be attributed to man and not to God alone. The miracles would probably be classified as a result of man's ability to use God's power, the outcome of works and not of grace. But God's work is a free gift, given to those of faith. Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:9)

Are we trying to win the world by being wise and knowledgeable or are we people of faith full of God's power? Do we trust in Jesus' name or are we people who trust in our own wisdom, knowledge, and insight? In which kingdom do we truly abide? The devil fell from his place of power not because of mankind's ability or insight: he fell because of the power and authority in Jesus' name. The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1)

Messiah has come! We who put our complete trust and energy in him will do marvelous works, for we are his instruments of grace and goodness to a world that is controlled by the vipers of the devil. We are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. As Paul told the Philippians, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. So today, soldiers of the cross, shore up your faith, put your trust in him, and marvel at his greatest work that you are his and your name is written in heaven.