What Do You Rejoice Over?
Today I would like to go over what Jesus taught the disciples in Luke chapter 10 after they came back from casting out devils. I believe many of us want to be obedient and please God. I did not say everyone because that would not be truthful. Not everyone who says they are part of the Kingdom in this world are actually part of his kingdom. It is true! But truthfully the only one who can see someone’s heart and intentions is the Lord.
In Luke chapter 10 Jesus begins by sending 70 disciples to minister the Gospel to every city and place even if Jesus would not be visiting personally. He said there was a lot of work to do and there are not many laborers who are willing to go out into the field and gather those people in to know and have a personal relationship with the Lord.
He said they are lambs among wolves. This description he gave us is what people of God are. They are a target for the enemy to attack. In nature a wolf would definitely go after a lamb for food. He would kill it and then of course eat it. Are you willing to put yourself out there to be a target for his glory? No sacrifice would go in vain when you are dealing with the kingdom.
But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Luke 10:10-11 KJV
Jesus told them if someone does not accept or receive what they share then they need to shake the dust off their feet and move on. I know I have personally been guilty of not moving on. I want to help them because I know the truth and how much he loves them. But I have learned not everyone wants him. That is heartbreaking, no doubt. How could someone not want this beautiful God we serve? The more time I spend with him I begin to understand how to be sensitive to the spirit’s leading when it comes to people. It is as if we are sent to seek the pearl in the field. These pearls are not everywhere you look. They are hidden in various parts of the world and we are sent to recover them if you are willing to sacrifice and dig for them. The Father would love everyone saved but through the word he has revealed this will not be possible but he is patient for one more. This world has been tainted by the enemy and this adds the challenge to our work.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 KJV
After some time the disciples returned happy that the spirits were subject to them but Jesus reminded them to rejoice instead that their names are written in heaven. Many times the church rejoices over the expulsion of a demon more than where they belong in God’s kingdom. The bible tells us there are people who will do many miracles, signs and wonders but it was not for the kingdom. It was more for their own glory. They will want to enter the kingdom of God but they will not.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. They will tell the Lord of all their works they did for him but the Lord know it was not for him but for their own glory. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:21-22 KJV
These verses are referring to people of the church. Believe it or not we have heard people who say they are followers of Christ say these are people outside the church, unbelievers. I really don’t know how an unbeliever could prophesy or cast out devils if he doesn’t believe in the Lord. A devil certainly wouldn’t obey one of his own.
Jesus makes a comparison of a city that experienced the works of Jesus but still chose not to follow him. The Lord also said it is better for the people in Tyre and Sidon than the ones who rejected the truth arriving on their doorstep. These two cities are in modern day Lebanon which is north of Israel. In the Old Testament the people in those two cities were outside the family of Israel so they did not have knowledge of God or even have a relationship with him. On the day of judgment Jesus says it will be worse for the ones who turn their backs on those bringing the Gospel. People like those traveling missionaries bringing the good news. It is worse because one is not only rejecting the person presenting the Gospel but they are rejecting Jesus and the Father.
In these days, it is no different. Many still do not know who God is and there are people constantly rejecting the truth and unfortunately not interested in him. We are entering the final days, the end times and according to the word it will be like the days of Noah before the flood. They were not interested back then and they aren’t in these days either but you will see healings, devils cast out, miracles and signs to prove the Lord is with you.
What do you rejoice over? Are your eyes focused on heavenly things instead of instant glory here on earth? Make sure to check your heart and remember who we are really trying to glorify. It will be easier to correct a mistake now if you are attentive to his word.
