By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Luke 10:19-20 "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - NIV
The disciples had just returned from the mission Jesus sent them. When exercising the power and authority Jesus gave them to heal the sick, cast out devils and preach the gospel, what excited them most was that demons could obey them in Jesus name. That had never happened to them. But Jesus told them that there was something far greater to rejoice about; that their names are written in heaven.
Many get excited, as did the disciples, when they see God’s power at work to heal the sick, cast out demons, perform miracles or do some supernatural things. Unfortunately, it stops there as they bask in the fame and titles they carry around. But beyond those things God’s power and authority does in and through us, should be the question of whether our names are in the Lamb’s book of life or not. That makes eternal difference! For many who even performed the miracles, preached in His name and cast out devils, will be cast away!
Whose names are written in the book of life? Those who have trusted their lives to Christ as Lord and Savior, and living for Him. Some use His name to gain what they wish, but not living for Him. And they will be cast away on the day they stand before God in judgement. At the end, if all that we pursue and glory in in this life does not lead to eternal life and entering God’s kingdom, it is an eternal lose however powerful you were in this present life! That your name is written in heaven is reason to rejoice more than receiving worldwide fame.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"
Shalom children of God.