McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: Ex 7, Lk 10, Job 25, 1 Co 11
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20)
It amazes me as to the authority Jesus gives his disciples, as it must have done them too. This power gave them a sense of euphoria and they rejoiced. But Jesus reminds them that their rejoicing instead should be in the fact that their names are written in the book of life. Casting out demons and doing good works won’t get you into heaven, no matter how much we want to present it as an offering to God as a basis for our acceptance. Only grace can do that.
