At one point in Jesus ministry He sent out His disciples into the cities telling them to proclaim the Kingdom of God to the people. They reported back to Jesus rejoicing over what they had seen – people receiving the Good News and even demons were subject to the Name of Jesus! Jesus rejoiced with them but then told them not to rejoice in the spirits that were subject to them but even greater and more wonderful was that their name was written in the book of life. Sometimes I desire to see the work of God among the people and become discouraged when I don’t see it or when I do it is magnified in my eyes and I forget to look to the end where my name is written in the Book of Life. I think what Jesus is saying is that no matter what my circumstance and situation rejoice for my eternity is already secure and what I experience today pales in comparison to eternity. Paul explained it this way
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice!”
Singing His Praises!
Mark