17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. 20 However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” ~ Luke 10:17-20CSB
When the seventy-two returned to Jesus, they were excited because even the demons were subject to them in His name. Jesus, however, brought them back to what was really important: that it is by His name that we are saved. See, Jesus understood that casting out demons didn’t automatically mean that you were saved because the name of Jesus is that powerful. The seven sons of Sceva, who didn’t know Jesus, were still able to cast out unclean spirits using His name until they got to one that was too strong for them.
Yes, there is power in the name of Jesus, and we should seek out that power, but even more so, we should seek out the love that covers us in the name of Jesus. Because it’s that perfect love that protects us and keeps us until He returns for us. Paul explained that if we have every gift of the Spirit but don’t have love, then we have nothing and are essentially worthless.
Dear LORD, please forgive me for all the times I sought Your power before I sought for Your love. Please forgive me for all the times I took Your grace for granted and ignored Your call. Replace my heart of stone with a heart of flesh and renew a right spirit within me, that I might dwell in Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
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