As you look back over your life, what gives you the greatest joy?

I saw an interview in which an old pastor described his final interaction with an old pastor friend. That pastor friend was on the verge of dying after a long and successful ministry. He had pastored growing churches, written best-selling books, and received worldwide acclaim for his gift of clearly communicating the gospel. After decades of gospel ministry and thousands of lives touched, can you guess on what that pastor reflected as he neared death? Can you guess what gave him the greatest joy?

I would have guessed it would be the many churches he started. Or the millions of copies his books sold. Or the many times he preached to thousands of people. Instead, he told his friend that he found his greatest joy in these words from Jesus: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sent out 72 of his followers to share his Word. When they finished, “the seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ ” Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (vv. 17-20).

Jesus’ followers were amazed at what God had accomplished through them. They had even driven out demons! “Lord, it’s amazing what God let us do!” Jesus agreed. Satan was being defeated through God’s Word. But there was something even more amazing than what God was doing through them. It was what God had done for them: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Those words were on the heart of that old pastor. Better than starting successful churches, better than writing best-selling books, better than being known throughout the world is knowing that your name is written in heaven by God’s grace to you in Jesus.

As you look back over your life, what gives you the greatest joy?

I have to admit that I often rejoice when what I do goes well. I think joy comes from my success. I glory in my accomplishments. But that’s not joy. That’s my sinful pride. Then, when I’m not successful, when what I do doesn’t produce big results, what’s the result? Discouragement.

Do you feel that too? Discouragement and despair that you haven’t done enough or accomplished anything? Remember this: As great as it is to have God accomplish his will through us, joy is found in what Jesus has done for us. By faith, you can rejoice that your name is written in heaven.

Whether you’re heading off to college or facing a mid-life crisis, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection mean you can rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Whether you’re thriving in the business world or facing death, Jesus’ grace and promises mean you can rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Whether your plans have been successful or not, you can rejoice that your name is written in heaven.

So use your God-given gifts to the fullest. Pray that the Spirit blesses your work. Then rejoice that your name is written in heaven.

Author: Nathan Nass
Volume 110, Number 9
Issue: September 2023

Facebook comments

Comments