The Demons are Subject to You

The Demons are Subject to You

Jesus’ seventy-two disciples returned from their preaching expedition astonished that even the demonic spirits obeyed them when they commanded them in the name of Jesus. Earlier, Jesus had sent them out in twos to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God to the cities of Israel (Luke 10:1-16). His instructions included things like, do not carry money or a sword, bless those who receive you and kick the dust from your feet in those cities that reject you. 

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.” (ESV) Luke 10:17–20

When these disciples returned from their evangelistic work, no one was more surprised to learn that they had power in the name of Jesus than they were. Quickly, they met with Jesus and expressed their amazement that demonic spirits were subject to them in His name. The Lord informed them that He had given them the power to cast out demons, to remove the enemy (Satan) and wage war on evil, without harm to themselves. The terms “serpents” and “scorpions” are metaphors referring to satanic spirits. Jesus informed them that in their gospel work they had been given authority over evil and such spirits. 

Do we believe that the church of Jesus today has this amazing power to do gospel work? Does the church in our day behave as if such authority has been given it? Is this for today? Of course, it is. Is this not the promise that we were given in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)? In that commandment, our Lord said that all power had been given to Him and therefore, we are to go preach the gospel to the world in His name. 

Is this not a reason for us to give thanks to God? we can thank Him that we do not have to do the Great Commission and be the church in our own strength. But is this the pinnacle of praise for the believer and the church? To the disciples' surprise, Jesus says that it isn’t. He tells His disciples, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your name is written in heaven.” 

See beloved ones, the church is not about the power but about the Savior. Our rejoicing is not based on what we can do or accomplish in Jesus our Lord but in Jesus Himself. Our names are written in heaven because we have repented of our sins and believed in the only Son of God. So, our worship and praise, our reason for thanks to God, is due solely to our Savior and His work for us on the cross. Rejoice in Him and nothing else! 

Love You All, 

Pastor Scott