In His Book

"The seventy 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... Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20).

I spent twelve years ministering to students on a west-coast university campus. I recall days when I saw Satan fall like lightning, and other days when it was I who fell—flat on my face. Some days I wondered what I was doing there.

Luke tells us of a day when Jesus' disciples returned from a evangelistic mission to report great success. Many had been brought into the kingdom, demons had been put to flight and a good time was had by all! The disciples were pumped!

"Indeed," Jesus replied, "I saw Satan bite the dust." But then he issued a strange caveat: "Don't rejoice that demons are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven."  

We take delight in the work that we do, especially when we're successful. But we may despair when our work seems to fail. Neither success nor failure should concern us, however, if we're doing what God has asked us to do. 

What matters is that our names are written in God’s book and will never be expunged. ["Written" is a verb tense that would suggest  permanent ink.] 

So your work isn't going well. The church-growth folks are disappointed; your denominational leaders are dismayed. Don't be discouraged. Keep doing what God has called you to do for as long as you can do it—teaching, loving, listening, praying, growing and showing your progress to all—and leave the results to him. "Outcomes are solely from the Lord," Dallas Willard used to say.

In the meantime know that you're safe and secure in your Father's love. He has your name in his book!

David Roper