He (Jesus) replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightening
from heaven. I have given you authority
to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy;
nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19 NIV
parentheses mine.
Jesus appointed seventy-two believers and sent them two by
two to preach the gospel and to heal the sick and cast out demons in his
name. These “sent-ones” enjoyed enormous
success. They returned with joy and said to Jesus that even the demons submit
us in Your name.
Our Lord's response was intriguing. On one hand he encouraged them; he affirmed
them by declaring the authority that was given them over Satan. But he also told them they were to rejoice
that their names were written in heaven not because of the authority they
possess through the name of Jesus. Jesus
was pointing out that their relationship with the Father was to be their number
one concern.
At this time, Jesus beamed with joy and said, “I praise You,
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the
wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good
pleasure.” (Luke 10:21 NIV) It takes
someone with a childlike heart to believe that God has given us power to defeat
the enemy; it takes someone who has a genuine relationship with the Lord,
someone who is not wise in their own eyes to find victory in spiritual
warfare. Psalm 8:2 says, “From the lips
of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to
silence the foe and the avenger.” Here
the Scripture refers to praise as one of the weapons we have against the Devil,
but also notice that this victory is given to children and infants or to those
with a childlike heart before God.
Let's embrace the authority that the Lord has granted
us. When we pray in faith, mountains
move and demons flee in terror. But let
us not glory in the power that has been delegated to us; rather, let's glory in
the intimate relationship we have with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross,
we have been given the greatest privilege.
We now have free access into the throne room of God; for knowing Him is
the greatest privilege of all!
Dear Father God,
I praise You and worship You. I thank you for giving me victory over the
enemy. But Lord I am filled with praise
and awe because You chose me to have an abiding relationship with You. Help me
to know You more and more intimately as I walk with You. In Jesus name, Amen.
