It must have been a rush for all seventy-two of them. They were laborers sent into the harvest. They were also lambs deployed amongst wolves (Lk. 10:1-3). Their message? “The kingdom of God has come near” Their power? The healing power of Jesus — power over demons and disease (Lk. 10:9). And when they returned from their mission, there was a whole lot of fist-pumping, adrenalin-rushing celebrating going on.

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. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.“

“In that same hour [Jesus] rejoiced in the Holy Spirit . . .

(Luke 10:17-21 ESV)

Rejoice that your names are in heaven . . . That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

Satan falling, spirits submitting, nothing standing in the way of the mission. They must have felt invincible. Preaching the good news of the kingdom must have been incredible. They rejoiced. Jesus rejoiced. What an experience! Can you imagine it?

Yet, Jesus sought to redirect their joy — not dampen it, but to apply it elsewhere. Whatever euphoria they were experiencing about what had just happened on earth, was the feeling they should feel about what had already happened in heaven.

. . . . rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

There’s some way by which the followers of Jesus are forever recorded in the annals of another dimension. A way in which we are known. A way in which we are secure. Be exceedingly glad in knowing that, says Jesus.

He knows my name because He’s recorded my name. In another reading this morning, I was reminded that in some heavenly book, authored by God Himself, are “written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me” (Ps. 139:16). Who am I that my name should be written in such a book? “Rejoice,” says the Son. Bask in the fruit of much joy, whispers the Spirit.

There’s gotta be some kind of ink in heaven.

Red ink, perhaps? O’ the blood of Jesus! We know it can wash whiter than snow. Might it also be used to write forever every name He knows?

Names written in heaven . . . Rejoice! And again I say, rejoice!

Because of such grace. Forever for His glory.

Amen?