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The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spiritand said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
It is significant to me that Jesus, the Son of God communicated with God the Father through God the Holy Spirit as the Son of Man. So must I, as a child of the Father, be unswerving to speak and listen to Him through the Spirit. Rather like using modern communications technology to replace smoke signals that I try to use as I mumble to Him.
Other precious points in this passage are 1) the Lord's instruction to rejoice that my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life rather than in anything I might accomplish in His name. Another warning against being a present-day Tommy Tucker. 2) The anonymity of the seventy-two. Ordinary Joe Bagadonuts, off the street guys, sent to apply the Kingdom of Heaven in the Here and Now. He gave them the authority and said, "Go." He gives me the authority and says, "Go.Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 34
Mid-day: 119:57-64
Evening: Psalm 109
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