Power is a Privilege not a Position

Photo by Patricia van Casteren

Scripture: Luke 10:17-20

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”  And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.  “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.  “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

Insights: There's a scene in the fourth episode of Star Wars where the Millennium Falcon is trying to evade some TIE fighters and return to the Rebel base.  Han Solo and Luke Skywalker are in the seats of the laser cannons trying to shoot these TIE fighters. Luke shoots one and jubilantly screams. When he does Han Solo speaks into the mic and says to Luke, “Great kid, don't get cocky.” Shortly afterwards Solo shoots a ship as well and screams equally as jubilantly as Skywalker did. I tell this short scene because in many ways that's exactly what is happening in today's passage of Scripture. The followers of Jesus return and they begin to share their experiences with Jesus. At some point they cry out, “Even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Jesus then goes on to explain to them about the eternal perspective of things. He eventually reminds them not to rejoice in the subjugation of the demons, but rather rejoice that their names are recorded in heaven. In other words, “Great kid, don't get cocky.” We all, from time to time, become self-conceded and full of ourselves. I believe Jesus is trying to share with us in this moment that any power we have is truly a privilege. Our position as His children is not something that ought to make us arrogant and proud. In fact, our position as His child ought to make us humble and meek at heart. Everything in our lives ought to be about us pointing others to the Savior. When we live life from this perspective, we do have power, but it is controlled power found in Christ. Beloved, I pray you are mindful of this reality throughout the remainder of this day and week.

Questions:

1. In what are you rejoicing?

2. Do you understand the power available to you as a child of the King?

Prayer: Father, thank You that my name is written in heaven. May You grant me the power to live boldly in this world. As I valiantly live for You may Your name be brought glory.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.