Witness

by Dan Pollock at someonewhocares.org

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves."

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven...Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
(Luk 10:1-3,17-18,20 ESV)

I love these verses, because of the story they tell. I imagine the seventy-two disciples filled with excitement over the power that Jesus endowed them with. It must of been a grand rush to be sent out as emissaries under Christ's authority. Trepidation and anxiousness from self-doubt may have tinged the edges of their outlook, along with suspense over the unknown results of their mission, but for the most part they were probably going out with confidence in Jesus' name.

They come back, gushing with celebration of their success. But they must have taken their delight too far, because Jesus perceived the need to expand their understanding. His method of doing so is artful and effective.

I picture seventy-two smiles, seventy-two chattering voices, seventy-two pairs of eyes filled with fresh memories of spiritual conquests and dreams of greater accomplishments. With one experiential statement, Jesus essentially hit "zoom-out" on the worldviews of the disciples. Christ gave them wisdom by allowing them a glimpse of His vantage point.

"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven"

Instant solemn silence from the group.

Was Satan on fire, so that as he fell, his burning figure streaked down like angry lightning splitting the night sky? Did those flames come from a supernatural blow dealt to the fallen angel that threw him from paradise? Or did he ignite upon leaving the realm? Perhaps all of the angels emit a light, invisible to humans, and Satan's was extinguished when he crashed onto the earth. I certainly do not know if any of these thoughts contain any truth. But I do know I am enchanted to realize Jesus will reveal these and greater mysteries when the time comes.

Jesus goes on to affirm the existence of the disciples' power, but also gives them a better reason to rejoice. He teaches them to revel in the Father's ability instead of their own. This is the heart of humility. A wider, more comprehensive portrait of reality that gives our roles their proper dimensions allows us to view God's might with worshipful awe. The prayerful study of scripture gives us that portrait.