We have the Power

​Scripture:  Luke 10:18-20  “18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 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. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”” (ESV)
Observation:  In today’s reading we have the death of Abraham, and Isaac and Rebekah have twins – Jacob and Esau.  Psalm 6 is a lament. David is sick and crying out to the Lord for mercy.  Luke tells of another 72 disciples being sent out two by two, and today’s Scripture is a reaction to their return.  We also have the story of the Good Samaritan – everyone is our neighbor, and Martha learns that being busy with matters of the kitchen isn’t the best use of your time when you have a chance to learn from Jesus (which is why I’m slowly learning to relax and take this time out every evening).  Several things stand out to me in the passage I have chosen.  One is the matter of authority Jesus has given his disciples.  I believe we have that authority.  Now that doesn’t mean you should go out trying to stamp out snakes or scorpions, but I do believe we have the authority to overcome Satan’s tricks. 
Application:   Satan can’t hurt us because we have the power to shut his lies out of our lives.  The song comes to my mind “Power in the Blood”.  I don’t think we take the power Jesus gave us serious enough.  If we did, we wouldn’t live in fear.  We wouldn’t live defeated.  We wouldn’t fall prey to sin.
Prayer:  Holy Spirit be our guide.  We are weak.  Show us how to overcome the temptations that so easily entangle us.  Give us courage and strength to go forth in the power of Jesus’ name.  Lord, I do rejoice that my name is written down in glory. I look forward to the day when I will see your majestic face.  Until then, help me be like Mary, spending more time with you!
Tomorrow’s Reading:  Genesis 27-28; Psalm 4; Luke 11