Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
– Luke 10:20
The Lord sent 70 of his disciples two by two into many cities, and they went in the power of the Holy Spirit. They proclaimed the gospel, cast out demons, and had incredible ministry success.
When the 70 disciples returned to Jesus, they reported everything they had done and were full of joy. Well, who wouldn’t be a little excited with success like this? Can you imagine what a stir it would cause today if our youth groups returned from short-term missions trips and reported that demons were cast out and the sick were healed and many believed?!
I wonder if much of our ministry today isn’t as ineffective and sluggish as it is because we are rejoicing in the wrong things. Meaning, our focus isn’t where it should be, and as such, the results are not what they should be.
Jesus says something thought-provoking to these 70 disciples upon their return. He told them clearly and succinctly not to rejoice in their ministry success, but to rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
I believe that Jesus meant everything He ever said, and surely He has a right to our attention and respect – He certainly knows men’s hearts better than we do. If Jesus said something, it should cause us to carefully consider how we can apply what He said to our own lives. So with this admonition, what can we learn regarding our own labors for the Lord? Several things stand out to me:
- Success in ministry does not mean that everyone will believe in Christ, no matter how many wonderful things we do for them. In Luke 10:10-16, Jesus indicated that some cities would not receive the disciples or believe their message, and this served as judgement against those cities.
- Our primary focus must first and foremost be our own walk with Christ, our own faith and obedience to Him.
- If the lame are healed and demons cast out, even then, our rejoicing should not be about the signs and wonders necessarily, the “success in ministry,” but rather that our names are written in heaven. This will help keep our hearts in the right place.
How will this change the way you encourage those in ministry and how you pray regarding your own labor in the Lord’s vineyard?
– Jeremiah Zeiset
Abbotsford, WI
Comments 4
AMEN 🙌 To the word you’ve given.
The way you and I live is what witnesses to other’s about Jesus Christ. And at the end we are tools God uses.
And onlyGod can win souls.
Thanks so much for sharing. I really appreciate it.
You’re very welcome, Amanda. All praises to the Lord – He is wonderful in everything he says and does.
Hello Jeremiah,
Well put together, well thought through and well received!
Being who we are and walking in faith; well it isn’t always easy. In fact some if us struggle to get over earthly setback.
Live by faith!
You will please God and allow Christ to reign in your being. We seek him, he finds us!
If we could make no difference at all, then the family of man would break down completely, and all hope would be almost inaccessible!
Thank you Jeremiah, for hopes celebrated. Praise be to God!
You are very welcome, Marion. Like you said, walking by faith isn’t always easy. Yet, the alternative is much harder and the results much worse. I’ve never found the Lord to disappoint me in any way. He is always good.
Blessings,
Jeremiah