Then He (Jesus) turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” Luke 10:23-24
The 70 disciples that were commissioned by Jesus Christ ventured and saw the power of God in action and they returned with testimonies. The task Jesus gave to these disciples of His appears daunting at the time; “…Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road…” (Luke 10:1-11). Too often the responsibilities of discipleship make following Jesus appear very threatening and unattractive, but the rewards of discipleship far outweigh its costs and open our eyes to the knowledge of who we really are and the power/authority God has deposited in us through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:18-20).
Many people lose out, daily on God’s plan for their lives and end up with nothing but frustration, failed dreams and missed opportunities. They either had set up on a path that appears rosy at the beginning but never bothered to enquire whether the path fits into God’s purpose or have detoured from a path clearly revealed by God to them, which appears difficult for them to follow. Jesus told those 70 disciples that they will be like “lambs among wolves” and yet they should take nothing with them. They obeyed, trusting on the one that sent them and when they returned, they marvelled at what they saw and experienced
Apostle Peter referred to believers as “… a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His (God’s) own special people…” The question is whether we see that royalty in our daily experience. The 70 disciples “…returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’” (Luke 10:17). Are demons subject to you as you call on the name of Jesus Christ or they tell you “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Acts 19:15)
Beloved, our generation is blessed as “…we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1),from the Old Testament time to date and have the privilege of hindsight; the prophecies, the Virgin birth, the resurrected Christ and the gift and experience of the Holy Spirit. We also live in an age of information, where the Scriptures are available freely. Take advantage of God’s word that you may see and experience the power that is in the name of the Babe born in a manger, Jesus Christ.
Have a delightful Christmas season with a heart that would comprehend the wonders that the Saviour has brought.
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
Igein Isemede