Usually we have a mental picture of Jesus and twelve men moving about Palestine. Then we come to Luke 10 that speaks of Jesus sending out thirty-five teams of two. These seventy were disciples that moved with Him. Add to that the women that cooked for them, etc. and we have a very large group. These seventy were given power to do mighty things and when they returned they were filled with stories of healings and great miracles. I am jealous. Surely everyone who has ever been a pastor has been jealous to do such wonders for our God. Their work had been so successful Jesus declared that in their work He saw Satan being cast down. They must have been high and rightfully so. Then Jesus said something that put it all in perspective, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
For reasons that God understands we do not now go about touching the eyes of the blind and having them see. How I do wish we could. But as grand as we think that would be there is something more wonderful. There is something that should bring us to “Hallelujah” and “Thank you, Jesus.” Our names are written in the Book of Life.
Lucifer is a fallen angel. He could restore sight to the blind but his name is not in the Book of Life. I could only think of something grander and that would be if we sacrificed our place that others could have that privilege. The irony of that thought is the impossibility of it. For should we be so selfless to step aside for another, we would be so much like Jesus He would be sure our name was there.
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 10, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org