Surprise, Surprise
The ones Jesus sent out came back amazed at what they saw and did.
The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” - Luke 10:17-24
I believe Jesus was truly happy to share with his disciples. He reveled in their glory and amazement, knowing they were able to see what he could see, that God is all loving and all knowing.
But he didn't want their glory to go to their heads. Do not rejoice in this, he told them.
And so it is with us, when we achieve greatness through Christ. We should not hold ourselves up, but should remain humbled.
The surprise we feel when we are able to accomplish what seemed impossible needs to remain with us as a sign of God's help working in and through us. This is the Holy Spirit dwelling within us who makes it possible, not us.
So, when the impossible becomes real, we should praise God for letting us see His glory and grace working in the world.
It's not about us or our abilities.
It's about Him.
More to come...