Re-directed Joy (Luke 10:1-20)
Re-directed
Joy (Luke 10:1-20)
Overview
The seventy-two are sent ahead of Jesus and by
Jesus. I suppose it was to prepare the
way. They went in groups of twos. On their way, they cast out demons and healed
people from their diseases. The number 72 was not chosen by Jesus randomly, I
suppose it has a numeric biblical significance. As the 12 disciples were chosen
so the 72 are also chosen for a purpose.
Severity of the message
The severity of the message was in proportion to the
reception and belief in the message and the authority of the messenger given by
Jesus. They were not to discuss theology
with them and deep issues; they were to give the message simply and truly. No argument needed. If the message was not received,
they were to move on and shake the dust off their feet (10:11) Move on. No feeling sorry for anybody. The
responsibility was clearly on the hearer.
Return of Seventy-two
They boasted in their ability to cast out demons. While
we serve the Lord and in everything, we do for the Lord we have to choose
whether we will boast or give him the glory.
No place for boasting in serving the Lord. Jesus re-directed that joy with the fact that
their names were recorded in the book of Life (10:20). Here the boasting is in the Lord who is the
giver of Life to us and the Saviour of the world. The joy was re-directed to the Lord. What do you rejoice in? Is it the right kind of joy? The
Spirit-filled kind of Joy?
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