Day 12
Let's start with the 72 men. They had a simple job. They were the “advance men” for Jesus’ ministry. They were to visit the different towns Jesus would visit over the next few months and prepare the way for Him. They were also to heal people and cast out demons in Jesus’ name, and they were to preach one simple message: “the Kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 10:9-11)
And when they got back – they were so excited! They never had anything like this happen before. They were changing lives. They were doing something important. But Jesus does the oddest thing:
"Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20)
Why would Jesus tell them they were rejoicing in the wrong thing? Because they already have joy in our relationship with Jesus because He died for our sins.
There are two kinds of joy: Joy of this world and joy of the Lord. The “joy of this world” is based on who I am, what I can do and what I have. But Jesus said: Do not rejoice in what you have done. Rejoice in what God has done for you - our salvation.
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalms 126:3)
Our joy is in the Lord and His activity in our lives. Joy is not a man thing, it is a God thing. It is not about what man did, it is about what Jesus had done on the cross. Jesus said they should rejoice in the fact that God has written their names down in “the book”. Since our names are written down in Heaven, we now have the power to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us.
Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ - Luke 10:9-11 (English Standard Version)
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.” - Luke 10:17-20 (English Standard Version)
"The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad." - Psalm 126:3 (English Standard Version)
"Father, thank You for writing my name in heaven. Help me to pursue You, not the pursuits of the world. Help me know that true happiness is knowing my eternal place as Your son and daughter. I have joy in You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!"
Day 232 Bible Reading: Job 1-3, 1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 37:12-29 and Proverbs 21:25-26 
