DCLM Daily Manna 2024: DCLM Daily Manna 17 September 2024: The Greatest Joy
Text: Luke 10:17-24 (KJV)
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately*, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
KEY VERSE: Luke 10:20
“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
Pastoral ministry has, these days, become very flamboyant, to extent that success is measured by how many cars and trucks are on the convoy or motorcade of the pastor, how sought after the pastor or church leader is, and the miracles of healing and deliverances that accompany his ministration. The prosperity message, which largely centres on giving and sowing seed, rather than repentance, righteousness and holiness, has taken centre stage.
In our text, seventy of Christ’s disciples were sent out on a preaching assignment. They reported to the Master, in excitement, how evil spirits submitted to the authority of Christ. Jesus told them that He had already seen Satan fall from heaven like lightning. He praised God for allowing them to partake in the riches and glory of the New Testament grace but stressed that true joy is found only in having their names written in the Book of Life, in heaven.
What should give us joy in ministry is beyond the shadows of popularity but the substance of integrity. The joy of salvation is more important than the praises and adulations of men. Most things so appreciated in the world are abomination in the sight of God. Christ made sure the disciples were well informed about the life that pleases God and the quality of service He appreciates.
Satan and his cohorts are cast out through our prayers and the Word we preach. Christ never intended a church that fears Satan’s presence. And there is joy in having our bodies healed and our needs provided for. But certainly, the greatest joy comes in being recognised and honoured in heaven, and having the hope of eternal life at the end of our service on earth. This should be the priority of every saint in Christ.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Heaven is man’s greatest win!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Numbers 22-25
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Daily Manna 17 September 2024
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