Name-writing Grace
Scripture Reading — Luke 10:1-4, 17-20
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:20
The seventy-two missionaries did their job—they went. The Holy Spirit did his job—he subdued demons. The missionaries were overjoyed, but not speechless, as they reported, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
Jesus gently put everything into perspective: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Name-writing grace. That’s even better than demon-subduing power.
Because our names are written in the book of life, our Lord will acknowledge us before his Father (Revelation 3:5). Because our names are written in the book of life, we will not be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
Because our names are written in the book of life, we will enter the new city and walk in the light and the glory of the Lamb (Revelation 21:22-27).
This will happen not because of what we have done or will do, but because our names are written—written in heaven, written in the book of life.
Our names have been written in heaven. Divine arithmetic will count us among the people of God.
And with the seventy-two sent out by Jesus we will rejoice forever. We might as well start now: Hallelujah!
God of abounding grace, we give thanks today that we have joy beyond mere happiness, for we know you have written our names in heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.
About the author — Dale Vander Veen
Dale Vander Veen is a retired Christian Reformed pastor who with his wife, Edith, has ministered in California, Washington, and Michigan. They have three married children and six grandchildren. He currently writes a daily e-mail series of devotions.
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