“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
TEXT — Luke 10:17-24
Message
Pastoral ministry has, these days, become very flamboyant, to the 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.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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I wish to desire more of this sincere milk of God word through Daily Manna platform for spiritual guidance and growth.
I wish to desire more of this sincere milk of God word through Daily Manna platform for spiritual guidance and growth.