The disciples rejoiced because evil spirits obeyed them when they used Jesus’ name, but Jesus told them to focus on heavenly hope. Luke 10: 20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” [1]
Evidently, some of the healings the disciples did were exorcisms. They had delegated authority from Jesus to overcome spiritual enemies. The disciples rejoiced in their victories over the demonic forces. More than likely, these towns saw the disciples as miracle workers and praised their accomplishments. Yet, these miracles were to point to God’s Kingdom.
Remember God Has the Power and the Authority
Jesus had given the disciples delegated authority and power. They could not perform miracles on their own, but only in Jesus’ name. The miracles they were able to perform had been a heady experience. Jesus wanted to keep them on the right path. Their experiences of God’s power in ministry were not meant to lead to pride. Instead, they were to serve God out of love for Jesus and a desire to see more people join in following Jesus.
Thus, to prevent them from becoming proud of what they had done, Jesus had them focus on heavenly hope. Their joy was to come from their relationship with Jesus, not from the power of exorcism. They are not to assume they can sit back and enjoy these new powers. No, they are to realize that they are part of God’s purpose that is going forward.
Our Relationship With Jesus Guides Our Actions
Jesus gives us a similar assignment as He did the seventy-two. Mark 16: 15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”[2]
We, as believers, also have authority as the seventy-two did. However, this is a delegated authority, not ours, but God’s. Therefore, we must heed Jesus’ instructions to operate in this authority effectively. To do this, we must hear the instructions, and the Holy Spirit enables us to do so. John 16: 14 He (the Holy Spirit) will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me (Jesus).[3]
Therefore, just as the seventy-two, we must focus on our heavenly hope that stems from our relationship with Jesus. God enables miraculous victories over the demonic snakes and scorpions. We are not to be prideful over the victories over evil that God allows. However, we must acknowledge the source of this power and give glory to God.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out-2-x-2
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.