Friday after Reminiscere Sunday

10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”

18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus had defeated the devil, and thus had power over the devil, our enemy. When Jesus sent the seventy out to go from town to town, He gave them His authority over the devil with regard to many things. They had received the authority to reap the spoils of Jesus’ victory. They were to snatch men from the jaws of hell. They were to gather the harvest of what Jesus has sown.

When they came back, the disciples were particularly impressed by their newly found ability to rout demons with Jesus’ name. Jesus did not diminish the gift which He had bestowed, but He wished that they understand the relative importance of things. Of greater importance is another gift, that through their preaching “the kingdom of God has come near.” All of Jesus’ gifts were imparted to serve the purpose of bringing salvation to hearers. Having your name being written in heaven is the ultimate and greatest gift. Jesus wants to keep the focus on the main purpose.

In the stead and by the command of Christ, the pastoral office has been given the authority to forgive and retain sins. A great authority, indeed, but what is more important is the pastor’s own reception of the forgiveness of sins. St. Paul speaks of the terrible possibility of giving out the Lord’s gifts to others and yet losing your own salvation. 1 Corinthians 9:27, “…lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Prayer: O God, who seest that of ourselves we have no strength: Keep us both outwardly and inwardly; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.

Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.