Friday, September 24, 2010
Luke 10:17-18 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
MISSION WORK FOILS SATAN
In the opening verses of Luke chapter 10 the Holy Spirit records the account of Jesus choosing 72 disciples and sending them out two by two to each village He was planning to visit. The Lord realized that the work of harvesting souls for heaven was too big an assignment for just twelve disciples to tackle. When the 72 went out and shared the message of the Gospel they were greatly amazed at the power of His message. They were astonished to see how so many were led to repent of their sins and look in faith to Jesus as their Savior. Even people suffering from the awful malady of demon-possession were miraculously cured by the power of Jesus' name. When the 72 returned to Jesus and reported the remarkable things the Gospel was accomplishing, He told them about a vision He had of Satan falling from the sky. It was a vision of souls being freed from Satan's evil domination and brought into His Kingdom of Grace -- with their names written in heaven, destined for eternal glory.
As we carry out the Great Commission the Savior has assigned to us of preaching the Gospel to all creation, the same thing happens by the power of His ultra-strong name. He continues to work powerfully in hearts leading people to repentance and faith. When it happens, it's like Satan is being made to take a terrible tumble (the power he exerts on souls is short-circuited). Names are being erased from the rolls of hell and recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Glory be to Jesus!
Savior, shine in all Thy glory On the nations near and far;
From the highways and the byways
Call them, O Thou Morning Star.
Guide them whom Thy grace hath chosen
Out of Satan's dreadful thrall
To the mansions of Thy Father -- There is room for sinners all.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 598:5)
