Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 10:17-20 (Common English Bible)

17 The seventy-two returned joyously, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit themselves to us in your name.”

18 Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Look, I have given you authority to crush snakes and scorpions underfoot. I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, don’t rejoice because the spirits submit to you. Rejoice instead that your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus had sent out 72 “missionaries.” They return with great news (vs 17). Jesus tells them that better things are coming with nothing will harm you.

This is great. Let us, however, keep things in perspective. This all pales when we think of the big picture – names written in heaven.

Pause, think of the big picture, and give thanks.