“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

Beloved ones,

During his earthly mission, the Lord Jesus, besides appointing twelve disciples, selected seventy others that he sent in pairs in all cities and other places he was to visit personally. Back from such visits, these disciples joyfully gave Jesus an account of their mission saying: “Lord, even demons were subject unto us in your name”. Jesus responded to them: “…in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven”.

That saying, Jesus has made it clear to the 70 disciples what should actually be the reason of their joys. Their praises and thanksgiving should not be as a result of Satan having been casted down on earth like lightening, demons and other impure spirits being subject unto them, the power given unto them to walk, unharmed, on serpents, scorpions and all the power of the enemies, not even as a result of them being healed from diseases and sicknesses. Their joy should rather stem from the fact that their names are written in the book of life.

In Christian communities, thanksgiving and praises should not be solely linked to victory on Satan and witches, success in an exam, getting a job, getting wedded or promoted at work, having success in one’s business, witnessing improvement in sales, delivery of a baby, or owning earthly properties. God should be celebrated and praises raised onto him because our names are written in the book of life.

What use is it for us to rejoice over earthly possessions if we miss heaven? Most often, thunders of praises are raised to God in evangelical arenas for escaping from an accident, from a bewitchment, from a sudden death or from witch attack. When faces look sad in churches, it is most often because members are facing difficulties in their business, companies, end of year exams to cite but a few.

I want to encourage us to praise the Lord because he deserves it and also because our names are written in the heaven