Rejoice for Selection and Salvation

Scripture: Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:19-20

Observation: The additional 72 disciples have returned from their mission, telling wonderful stories about how the Holy Spirit gave them power to help others, cure the diseased, and even command evil spirits. This is wonderful, as it shows how the future church can serve Jesus by helping others. However, Jesus makes a point of clarity. The true reason to rejoice is not because of some kind of new authority or power granted by the Holy Spirit, or because evil spirits submit to that authority ... the reason to rejoice is that the disciples themselves have been saved by faith, appointed for this work, and their names written in the book of life.

Application: This is such a basic concept ... despite all the blessings and love we receive from the Lord, and despite good work we see come from Christians around the world, the true reason to celebrate is that Jesus called me to follow him, and when I accepted he wrote my name in heaven.

I do praise the Lord when we reach thousands on non-believers with the message of salvation at Christmas Lights. I do rejoice when I hear that Reach mission has successfully started a new church for the homeless in downtown. I celebrate when I see other local churches growing in size and influence, knowing this means there is positive motion in the kingdom of God. And yes, it is good to celebrate these things and to praise God for them, giving him all the honor and glory for the victories any of us might have, for it is only by the Holy Spirit that such victories come in the first place. However, Jesus is so right. The absolute number one thing I rejoice in is my salvation.

There is NO reason I even have salvation. I was and am a sinner. I struggled with, and outright rejected, belief. I continue to struggle with obedience and self-control. I very sincerely believe that I do not bring anything of unique or special value to the kingdom of God; nothing that any other random person couldn't do instead of me, and probably do it better. I truly mean this next statement ... I have no special value at all.

And yet ... AND YET ... Jesus saved me anyway. I sincerely don't know why. I am so not worth it, but he responded to my cry, changed my life, allowed me the opportunity to say 'yes' to him, and wrote my name in heaven.

That is very truly the great reason to rejoice.

Prayer: Lord, thank you. Amen.