“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
“David and the chiefs set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied… who did the work and their duties… for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king. The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained…, all who were skillful, was 288.” “To Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers, men of great ability. The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed and Elzabad, whose brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah… men qualified for the service… Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was chief… King David appointed him and his brothers, 2,700 men of ability, heads of fathers’ houses, to have the oversight… for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.” 1 Chronicles 25:1,6b-7; 26:6-8,31-32
The young-in-faith disciples were pretty excited that they could perform miracles in Jesus’s name, and eagerly shared their success with Him. Jesus quickly reminded them that He also had some unique credentials, and yes, they’d been given supernatural authority to do pretty spectacular things, but all this was of and for Him. Their ministry, and these miracles at their voice or hand, were not to be their boast- Jesus who inspired and enabled them was. They were in service of the King their Savior. ‘Look what you’ve done? No, look what I’ve done. Don’t rejoice in these earthly successes and temporary displays of extraordinary power… the most amazing feat is that I saved you! You are Mine! Take real joy that your names are written forever on My hands and in heaven.’ (Isaiah 49:16; Malachi 3:16; Revelation 3:5)
God made man to work, and appoints skills to enable him to do so. He assigns roles and expects vital industry that contributes to His kingdom good. Sometimes the heft and toil distort our thinking, and we begin to take credit for good results. It’s vital we remember the One to whom our work pertains, and who has blessed us with every attending skill. His is the work, and His is the glory. (Genesis 2:5-8,15,19-20; Colossians 1:16; 3:23)
How can we work so our days are crowned with His glory, not our own? Could we ask Him to do in and through us what doesn’t come naturally or easily so He gets the credit? Would we expend ourselves in His energy, when we feel like sitting back? How will we add a hint of divine beauty to ordinary work? Will we speak for Him, and exude the joy that comes from delighting in his work? Can we bless those we serve with a benediction in His name? (Psalm 65:9-13)
Father, may my work done heartily through and unto You bring You delight and glory. May my boast ever be that You have saved me, and given me the privilege to serve You in return. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
As the rain and snow 