Power in the Name

The gospel of Luke tells about Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples on a mission trip. He gives them specific instructions on what to do and what not to do. When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported all that happened. Luke 10:17 says: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Having been on several mission trips, I have experienced first hand the excitement of regrouping with fellow team members and sharing what God has done. Everyone has a story they want to share. I can only imagine what it must have been like to listen as all seventy-two disciples were sharing all that God had done on their trip.

What is interesting is in all the disciples’ reports, the power they saw in the name of Jesus. They shared with enthusiasm “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name.” Jesus said in verse 19, Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. There is authority in the name of Jesus. When you serve Jesus, you serve with his authority.

Jesus said in verse 20, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” We should not rejoice just because evil spirits obey us, rejoice because your name is written in heaven. Because of Jesus death and resurrection your name is written in the Lambs book of life. The word “written” in the Greek is perfect passive indicative. Which means it is a state of completion, and stands written. It comes from a common verb which refers to citizens possessing the full privileges of the commonwealth. A believer in Jesus Christ you have wonderful privileges because your name is written in heaven. We go through our lives and getting trapped in the mundane routines and loose sight that we are citizens of heaven.

One of these days we will be able to completely enjoy the privileges we already possess. John 3:16 (NKJV) 16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Pastor Larry