Daily Devotion for October 6, 2006

Keeping The Main Thing the Main Thing

 

"The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.' He 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.'" Luke 10:17-20

 

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Christ came to overcome death, Satan, and sin. God sent His only Son so we could see and understand the whole purpose of salvation. In Luke 10, Christ cautions his disciples not be become enamored with the tools he provided them, but to maintain focus on why He came, and what He had sent them forth to do. Christ gave them power and authority over demons not for powers' sake, but so that they could spread the Gospel, fulfilling their mission.

 

Jesus' warning holds true for today's disciples as well. Rather than marveling at casting out demons, we are more likely to get preoccupied with all of our activities in support of the church. We can get caught in the busyness of “the church things” rather than the mission of the Church – to serve others in the name of Christ and to proclaim Him as we do that.  We need to keep The Main Thing, the Main Thing! The message remains the same - don't become consumed with the power we have in the Holy Spirit. Rather, keep focus on the greatest gift to each of us, that of salvation and adoption as brothers and sisters of Christ, for we are God's children and co-heirs with Christ.

 

Prayer
Lord, you have gifted me in a special way according to your purpose for my life. Help me to honor and use your gifts, but to always hold dearest your great gift of salvation. Help me to not get trapped in church busyness and to stay focused on the Main Thing – You and furthering your Kingdom.  Amen

 

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