Authority Granted

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” Luke 10:19-20

I love the fact that through Christ we are given power over the enemy. We have a wall of protection around us as Christ is our Mediator and Intercessor. With protection like this we can be assured that the enemy cannot be victorious against us. That is a reason to rejoice for me personally. Satan has hurled so much power over me at times in my life, but God has not allowed the enemy to harm me. God has replaced anything Satan has taken. He has resurrected death where Satan killed a life of joy.

Many times I equate joy with results. This passage in Luke suggests that Christ was warning His laborers to look spiritually for success and not to earthly accomplishments. I have certainly been guilty of looking onward in accomplishments instead of upward in treasures to come. Our reward is in Heaven and that is the focus for which we should have instead of momentary accomplishments and at-a-boys on earth. Pride in success is always a warning that God will give since it is a way that Satan gets a foothold in our lives.

We are all called by Christ with authority to accomplish our part in the Great Commission. He has given everything required to overcome the enemy to accomplish His purpose. Let us pray for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit so that our own ego will not get in the way of His message of love and redemption for all mankind.