When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name! … don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” – Luke 10:17, 20 NLT
How do you get your name on the VIP or guest list of a party hosted at Buckingham Palace, the White House or No.10 Downing Street? You would probably be a high-ranking government or military official, a top sportsperson, an A-list celebrity or some other recognised person. We can however agree that no one can just walk in without an invitation, and no one can lie their way into the party.
The Bible speaks of God having a Book of Life where the names of certain people are registered. The people whose names are in this book are those qualified to enter God’s presence in Heaven. This Book holds the names of God’s elects and identifies those who have inherited eternal life. They also acknowledge and receive Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour.
So, what is the qualification for getting one’s name in God’s Book of Life? The answer is simply believing in Jesus. “And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment” John 3:36 (NLT). “… And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 (NKJV)
In today’s scripture, it must have been a daunting assignment for the disciples especially with the specific instructions given and not physically accompanied by Jesus. It must have been an honour, however, to witness in action, the power and authority in Christ’s name!
The disciples returned with joy and great testimony of how the spirits were subject to them when they preached using Jesus’ name. But Jesus was quick to warn them that their joy should not be in the gifts, abilities, and commendations that they received. He pointed out that they should rather rejoice that their names are written in Heaven.
No matter the excitement of our work for Christ, nothing should overshadow the wonderful truth that we have eternal life and that our names are written in Heaven.
God desires that we use our gifts and abilities in spreading the gospel, however, these should not be our focus and attention. The principal source of our joy should be the close, personal relationship we enjoy with our Heavenly Father. Regardless of the gifts and graces we have received, our joy should be in the fact that we have been saved by grace, through faith in Christ alone.
Praise God that in Christ, our sins have been forgiven and eternal life is our sure possession. The fact that our names are registered in Heaven should always remind us of our huge indebtedness to God for sending His Son.
Let us rejoice in the wonderful truth that we have an everlasting inheritance because our names are written in Heaven.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 