Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 10 : 21-24 "IN THAT HOUR JESUS REJOICED IN THE SPIRIT..." Luke 10:21"
Day 125 – Luke 10
Text: Luke 10 : 21-24
“IN THAT HOUR JESUS REJOICED IN THE SPIRIT…” Luke 10:21
Luke captured an important insight of the spirit of the Lord Jesus in this passage. Did Jesus have happy moments when He walked on earth? The answer is found in this passage. Yes, the Lord Jesus had happy moments too. The word, “rejoiced” may also be translated, “exulted”. The Lord Jesus was truly happy as His Disciples reported to Him the success they experienced in their Mission.
Jesus was happy for them on many counts. Let us name but a few:-
1. These Disciples had their names written in heaven
2. TheseDisciples had proven themselves to be good and worthy Disciples. They would be invested with even greater authority and power for future ministries.
3. These men had once upon a time been part of the Multitude, but now they had become significant individuals. They were His Disciples.
4. The Teacher of course felt the flush of joy of the Disciples, and rejoiced with them indeed.
AN EVEN DEEPER LEVEL OF REJOICING
It seems obvious that there are many levels of joy. The Disciples were at one level of joy. The Lord Jesus entered into their joy but sought to point out to His Disciples that there were other levels of joy. Their salvation in Him, their names being written in heaven ought to be their greatest source of joy.
The level of joy that Jesus Himself felt was truly unique! It was a level of joy that He could best express only in heartfelt prayer to His Father.
“I thank You, Father,
Lord of Heaven and earth,
That You have hidden these things
From the wise and prudent
And revealed them to babes.
Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”
Luke 10:21
SPONTANEOUS PRAYER
The Lord Jesus was capable of entering into a 40-day fast and prayer discipline (Luke 4:1-13). At all times, He maintained a prayer life that would see Him rise up early in the morning, and spend time alone with His Father late at night (Luke 4:42; 5:16; 6:12).
We are introduced to the concept of “spontaneous prayer”. This prayer of Jesus may be described thus:-
1. It is a short burst of praise and thanksgiving prayer.
2. It comes from His very soul.
3. It has a special context. In this case, it was in the context of a successful mission reported by His Disciples.
4. Spontaneous prayer was the special way in which Jesus kept in close touch with His Father.
5. Though this was but a brief prayer reflecting His personal joy, this prayer was also deep and profound.
6. This prayer reflected the depth of communion Jesus had with His Father!
7. This prayer did not contain a petition. It was just a special way of communing with His Father. Jesus was sharing an observation with His Father. He was rejoicing in the way His Father had planned and ordained things! Imagine, humble Disciples being given such authority and power over demons, when the so-called wise and prudent scholars found in the ranks of the Scribes and Pharisees knew nothing about such spiritual power!
Let us be deeply challenged to cultivate “spontaneous prayer” in our life. Let us learn how to relate to our Father in Heaven again and again. Are there reasons for us to rejoice in? Let us learn how to breathe a quick word of prayer to our Father in Heaven. The practice of Spontaneous Prayer can keep our walk with God fresh and vital.
“BLESSED ARE THE EYES WHICH SEE THE THINGS YOU SEE…” Luke 10:23
The Disciples of the Lord Jesus must never take for granted the blessings that they had been given! Their spiritual eyes had been opened to see and appreciate the authority and power that had been entrusted to them! They were privileged to see how Satan and his demons became subject to the authority and power of the Name of their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ!
To reinforce this special sense of privilege, the Lord Jesus declared to them these words,
“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
Jesus added another important thought…
“All things have been delivered to Me by My Father,
and no one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son,
and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”
Luke 10:22
What a tremendous sense of re-assurance and joy must have filled the hearts of the Disciples! They were privileged indeed. They had been given understanding as to who Jesus really was! At the proclamation of His Mighty Name, demons fled! AND they were His Disciples! This was cause for joy! This was cause for spontaneous prayer too! Would you let your spirit move you to offer a quick spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving to the Father even as you read these words of the Lord Jesus?