When the seventy disciples returned after being sent out to heal the sick and preach that the Kingdom of God was at hand (Luke 10: 9-20) they were full of joy because demons were subject to them in Jesus’ name. As usual, Jesus’ response was not what one would expect. He didn’t say, “Good going guys! I knew you could do it.” Rather, he said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” That must have sobered them a bit. Jesus was basically saying I know all about Satan’s limited power, about his fall. I was there when it happened. Then He adds, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Snakes can be poisonous and their bit deadly, and scorpions can pierce and sting. This so describes Satan’s work, always trying to steal, kill and destroy or at the very least, sting and wound. But Jesus gave His disciples power over Satan and his minions, and we still have this same power today. But it’s interesting to note that “power” is mentioned twice in verse 19 and are two very different words. The first “power,” the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, is exousia and means the freedom, the privilege, the legal right to do this. Jesus was giving us the legal right to thwart Satan. The second word “power,” the power of the enemy, is dunamis and means force, miraculous power and indicates a power Satan has but we do not. And though we have the legal right to stop Satan in his tracks, we need dunamis in order to do it. And the only way we can get it is through Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. It is only God’s power in us that can overcome Satan’s power. We must never forget that.

But here’s the kicker. Even though this is all wonderful and makes us “more than conquerors” and able to overcome adversity, that’s not the thing that should make us want to throw a party because Jesus said, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Written where? In the Lamb’s Book of Life, of course. “And there shall in no wise enter into it (the new heaven and earth) anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)

That is our real joy. The fact that we will be with our beautiful Lord and Savior for all eternity, living a life we can’t even imagine now. Oh, that all those we know and love will have their names written in the Lamb’s book, too!

Until next time,

Sylvia

Recently I had a minor procedure on one of my legs to prevent blood clots and ulceration. It was another reminder that physically, at least, we are not like fine wines, we don’t improve with age. Rather, with each passing day, we are wearing out. Anyone over thirty knows how fast life is whizzing by. The Bible tells us that our earthly life is but a vapor (James 4:14); that like grass we are here one day and gone the next (Psalm 103:15-16).

Perhaps not a pleasant thought for some, but don’t despair, this is all just the anteroom to eternity. While we need to appreciate each day and live it to the fullest for God, we also need to keep in mind the larger picture, and as Colossians 3:2 says, set our mind on things above, not on earthly things. Oh, how we love to sweat the small stuff! How we major in the minors, and get bogged down in the things that really don’t matter and will have no eternal value! And for those bigger, heavier issues in our lives, we need to remember that God is in control, that nothing happening to us is taking Him by surprise, and that He has a way of escape if we but trust Him.

There is no better way to live life than by knowing, loving and serving the One who gave Himself for us. And He is the very One that according to Jude 24 can and will keep us “from falling” and present us “faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”

Oh, how much we have to look forward to!

Until next week,

Sylvia

I’m a firm believer that as long as God gives us breath we should appreciate our life and live it to the fullest for Him.  But sooner or later, unless we are the generation that will experience the rapture, we will walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death (Psalm 23:4). Everyone dies. It’s inescapable. While we needn’t be morbid about it, we should consider what this event will mean in terms of our eternal future. 

For a believer in Christ, that future is assured.  Psalm 23 tells us we are to “fear no evil”, that God will be with us.  People tend to fear the unknown.  But here the unknown is made know, for not only does it tell us that God will be with us and comfort us, but that He has something wonderful waiting.  The picture given is a banqueting table along with the promise that we “will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”  Oh, what a future!

Since this valley comes upon most people suddenly, unexpectedly it is well to make sure we are right with the Lord. And for those of us who have friends and family who do not yet know Him, it is paramount we pray diligently that they do, for eternity is at stake.

We’ll only pass this way once, and when it’s our time to reach that shadowed valley our houses, our bank accounts, our job titles will be meaningless. Only one thing will matter: “Who do you say the Son of Man is?” If the answer is “My Savior and God” we have nothing to fear and unimaginable wonders await us.  But for those who can’t answer in that way, may you come to know the One Who died for you, Who sticks closer than a brother.  The One who loves you like no one ever will.

Until next week,

Sylvia