In our first reading today we wrap up the story of Job. After all the things that had happened to him, Job kept faith. And God rewarded him for that. Read about how Job’s life turned out in the end.
In our Gospel reading from Luke 10, the seventy-two disciples that Jesus sent out return from their missionary journey. They rejoiced and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus tells them, “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
I imagine it was probably pretty heady stuff for the seventy-two to have power and authority over demons. Think of how cool that must have felt. Rejoicing would have been a very natural reaction. But Jesus reminds them to keep their minds on the bigger picture: heaven. I don’t think it is wrong to rejoice in our victories here on earth. Indeed, we should thank God for all things. But we should always keep the end in mind. Rejoice because your name is written in heaven.
Father, we thank you that our names are written in heaven. Keep us always faithful, that in the end we will hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Amen.
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