Rejoice Because Your Name is Written in Heaven

Book of Luke Chapter 10

Heb 12:23  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 

Heb 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

Many who deny the deity of Jesus Christ do so by referring to the term firstborn. If this term relates to Jesus, it must imply that He had a beginning in time, but they are wrong.

In the Old Testament, the culture was all about the status of the oldest son.

Deu 21:17  But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

In reality, the word firstborn denotes priority or supremacy, and this is the way it is used of Jesus Christ.

Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and preeminent in all His creation.

Heb 1:6  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 

Heaven’s angels will not worship anyone but God!

Psa 89:27  Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

God’s Messiah will be the firstborn who is resurrected to New Life to rule this entire earth.

The firstborn of the Church, who are all those whose names are written down in Heaven. Born Again, Regenerated,

Tit 3:4  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 

Tit 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 

Tit 3:6  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 

Tit 3:7  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Joh 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 

Joh 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

Joh 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

These are those whose names are written down in Heaven.

If we cannot rejoice because our names are written Heaven, then we need to question our salvation.

*****Luk 10:1  After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 

1) We should be able to tell that there are many disciples of the Lord Jesus, just as there are many more today.

Most of these disciples would not meet the qualifications to become an Apostle, but many of them were still committed to the Lord Jesus Christ.

These seventy disciples were so committed that the Lord Jesus could send them to preach and teach the Gospel.

There may have been at least one hundred and twenty who met the qualifications to be an Apostle, but were not chosen by the Lord Jesus.

Act 1:12  Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. 

Act 1:13  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 

Act 1:14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 

Act 1:15  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 

Act 1:16  Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 

2) The Lord Jesus also sent them out two by two.

This does not mean we are not to go out alone to witness for Jesus Christ, but two together are much stronger against our enemy, Satan. With the two, there could be mutual encouragement and help when help was needed.

3) There was a tremendous need for people to hear the truth of the Messiah and the truth of the Word of God.

If that need was great at that time, it is certainly much greater now.

We know that the Lord had sentenced that generation to death, and Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.

We now know that all those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ are sentenced to eternal death, and the Lord Jesus could return at any moment.

There is certainly a greater need to spread the Gospel!

4) These seventy were sent as forerunners. They were to prepare the people for His coming.

Tit 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

We have the same job today!

Our time to serve the Lord grows short!

*****Luk 10:2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

1) The first thing they were to do was to pray!

Who is this Lord of the Harvest? We know only one Lord and He is the Lord Jesus Christ!

Every believer has a duty in this work for the Lord Jesus! 1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 

1Co 3:7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 

1Co 3:8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 

1Co 3:9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 

2) What kind of people are in the world to be witnessed to?

*****Luk 10:3  Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 

Notice that the Lord Jesus Christ does not call them the “Lost Sheep of Israel”; He calls them wolves.

We see a reversal of sorts; the disciples are now the lambs, and those who are lost are the wolves.

Going out for the Lord is not a victory march, but it is a bit dangerous and is growing more so today.

The lambs of God’s House are defenseless against the wolves of this world unless they walk in faith and the purpose of the Holy Spirit.

The key, they must still go out with “faith,” but the Holy Spirit will be working on the hearts of those they witness to.

There is still the danger of persecution.

It is the wolves of this world who are trying to rid the world of the followers of God.

So, the next time you see your politician going against the Word of God, remember they are wolves out to destroy your nation and allow sin to rule.

The next time your preacher preaches against the Word of God, remember they are just wolves employed by Satan.

The next time your News Source defends sin, remember they are just wolves trying to regain control of our nation.

*****Luk 10:4  Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 

If we do not trust God, then we will never be of much use to Him!

They were not to worry about money for food, housing, clothing, or an extra pair of sandals.

If they had to pack and prepare all these things, they would not be able to cover as much ground.

Friendliness is all good and well for things of this earth and the time we live in, but as witnesses for the Lord, we must think about our eternal salvation.

Here we see that the Lord Jesus told them not to waste time on needless conversation.

All their time was to be used on their ministry and prayer.

The Lord intended to instill in them the urgency and the commitment to enter the Kingdom of God.

2Co_6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

As believers, we know that the Lord could return at any moment now, and those who are lost need to understand this.

*****Luk 10:5  And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 

Luk 10:6  And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 

We must clearly understand that the message of salvation is a message of peace with God, our Creator.

The Lord Jesus said, Joh 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

One of the greatest things I have realized as a believer is that I can rest each night knowing that I am at peace with God.

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

As witnesses for Jesus Christ, we are to proclaim peace in any household we enter.

If the head of that household was a man of peace, then God’s peace could be proclaimed.

If the head of that household did not proclaim peace, then the message of God was not to be forced upon that house.

God will never force anyone to accept His message of truth.

Rev 22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 

Psa 81:15  The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. 

*****Luk 10:7  And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 

We must understand that those who carry the message of the Kingdom of God in truth are worthy to be supported by those who receive the truth of God!

1Ti 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

They were to seek compensation, but they were not to seek luxury.

They were not to be embarrassed or self-conscious in receiving payment.

There is certainly nothing wrong with living a simple life!

Our Heavenly Father is already committed to providing our needs.

They were to eat whatever food was placed before them without question, regardless of the Jewish food laws.

*****Luk 10:8  And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 

Luk 10:9  And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, guided by the Holy Spirit: 1Co 10:25  Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 

1Co 10:26  For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 

1Co 10:27  If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 

We know that the number twelve has a particular significance in the Bible, and we can be sure that the number seventy also has significance to the Jews.

Notice the Lord Jesus also gave these seventy disciples the power to heal the sick.

We are never to take on the sin of that person we are witnessing to, but they must feel that we have compassion on them, and we may have to change our own customs and habits to reach these people.

Those we witness to must see that they are accepted just as they are, and they should see that we care for their souls just as the Lord Jesus does.

We must remember that the Lord Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.

He could have just as easily said: “no Father, I do not want to have anything to do with that bunch of sinners”.

Thank you, Lord, for your precious love for us!

When the Lord Jesus walked upon this earth, He was the Kingdom of God in the flesh.

When we take the exact Word of God to others, we are taking the knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven to them.

One day soon, we will be witnesses to the actual Kingdom of God, and this should also be mentioned.

We may not know what Heaven looks like, but we know it will be wonderful.

1Co_2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

We do know more of what the Kingdom of God will be like during the Lord’s reign from Jerusalem for one thousand years.

Zec 8:3  Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. 

The “Good News” is for those who accept the truth of God’s Messiah.

Those who reject the “Good News” will be told of their coming “Judgment”.

*****Luk 10:10  But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 

Luk 10:11  Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 

Luk 10:12  But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 

Luk 10:13  Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 

Luk 10:14  But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 

Luk 10:15  And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 

The Lord’s disciples were told to walk away from all those who rejected the truth of God.

We are not to argue with non-believers. We are never to create a bad situation that might reflect upon our character; we must just leave.

We have the truth of God, and they can only offer the meaningless thoughts of the Devil.

1) There would be cities that rejected the disciples of Christ.

They symbolized God’s rejection by shaking the dust off their feet as they left that city. This was a silent testimony that was clearly understood on that day.

This was a symbol of serious judgment. It meant that not even the dust of that city was worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, much less the people.

That city was to be left to itself just as they had wanted.

The Lord Jesus will not force the truth upon anyone!

2) There would be those who professed to be God’s People. These were mostly Jews.

These are people who only make a profession of faith but stick to their old lives, and there is no change.

The truth is, you cannot claim to be God’s people if you reject God’s Son.

The world needs to wake up to this fact!

The judgment of God would be greater on those who claim to be God’s people and reject Him than was God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.

These would include Chorazin and Bethsaida, and would be far worse than the judgment upon Tyre and Sidon.

We know that Chorazin and Bethsaida do not exist as cities any longer, nor do Tyre or Sidon.

3) There would be those who had a constant witness.

Capernaum was the city where Jesus Christ was raised, and Jesus was the One who never committed even one sin.

He was known as the Carpenter, which means He was a good carpenter.

The Lord Jesus healed every sick person in this city. Things that only God could do, and they knew this to be true.

He was accused of having worked these great works with the power of the Devil.

This is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, which cannot be forgiven.

The residents of Capernaum went straight to Hell because they rejected God’s Son and the truth of the Gospel.

These are the Scriptures that give us the thought that there are degrees of punishment even in Hell, but there is no joy in Hell at all!

Mar 8:36  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 

Mar 8:37  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

Mar 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

When the Lord Jesus Christ uses the word “woe”, it is not a call for vengeance but is a call of deep regret and a warning to others.

Jud 1:14  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 

Jud 1:15  To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

When we hear the Word of God by God’s called people, we are hearing from God Himself.

*****Luk 10:16  He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 

We must understand that when we speak the Word of God, just as it is written by the Holy Spirit, we are speaking the words of our Savior and our God!

2Ti_3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 

Rev 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.

Every person who has lived and who will live upon this earth needs to know what God has said.

1Jn_4:15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Act_2:21  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Rom_13:2  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Rev_20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

As witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, we provide the opportunity to know the truth of Jehovah God. Yeshua. Yahweh.

Our lesson picks back up as these seventy witnesses sent out by the Lord Jesus Christ have returned.

*****Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 

The seventy have returned with great joy, but they do not speak a word about their preaching and teaching or the results.

They could only talk about the authority they had over demons.

They did not mention:

1) How much they had done for Jesus Christ.

2) How hard the work had been.

3) How strongly the Devil fought back to keep his own.

They could only talk about the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ.

Any power we have as Christians comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

There is great power in the rich red blood of Jesus Christ!

1) Demons deceive people. 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Ehphesians 2:2

2) Demons inflict disease. Luke 13-16

3) Demons deceive nations. Revelation 16:14

4) Demons influence the mind. Gen 3:1-5

Every victory over Satan and his demons should bring great joy!

Satan is a defeated foe!

*****Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Satan has fallen from his position in Heaven and can no longer be there where he once had the power of angels.

Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 

Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

Satan and his demons may still be able to cause many problems for a short time longer, but Satan is a loser, and we need to remind him of that at all times.

Joh 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 

Joh 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 

Joh 16:9  Of sin, because they believe not on me; 

Joh 16:10  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 

Joh 16:11  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

The power of God given to each believer is for the purpose of defeating Satan!

*****Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

We should understand that if God has called us for some special mission, some special purpose, there is nothing on this earth that can cause us harm until that purpose has been fulfilled.

Satan certainly has some power: Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

The Lord’s power is far greater: Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

The Lord Jesus will give His believers power over the enemy: Luk 9:1  Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

God’s servants are perfectly safe against all enemies: Joh 17:11  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 

These are not the most important things in our lives as Christians.

*****Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 

We should rejoice far more in our salvation than in any power the Lord may have given to us.

Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 

Gal 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 

Gal 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 

Gal 4:7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

Amen