Jesus Rejoiced

Ta'Mara Hanscom

 ²¹In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit…Luke 10:21a ESV

I’ve read my Bible so many times over the last thirty-some years that I’ve lost track of how many. What’s remarkable in that is that I still see something brand new almost every day. For instance, the verse that I just read to you; I can honestly say that I don’t remember ever seeing that verse in my Bible before. And when I saw it the other day, it stopped me in my tracks.

Jesus rejoiced…

The story surrounding that verse goes like this: ¹⁷ The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” ¹⁸ And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ 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. ²⁰ Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”Luke 10:17-24 ESV

Seventy-Two of Jesus’ disciples had just returned from performing miracles in His Name, and they were excited about that – perhaps even bragging a little bit! But Jesus lovingly admonishes them, i.e., Guys, don’t get so puffed up about this! I saw Satan’s fall from glory because of the same problem.

And it can happen to anybody. 

There’s a great story about a successful, godly king in our Old Testament. His name was Uzziah, and he could do anything. He had an impeccable talent for industrialism, he was gifted in agriculture, and he had a hard-wired sense for national defense. But you know what did him in? Pride. When he’d developed his country to a superior point, he started to rewrite God’s perfect rules about worship. God struck Uzziah with leprosy and he was never permitted to be in His presence again.

Click to buy 'A Blackguard's Redemption' by Ta'Mara Hanscom

I think that Jesus’ seventy-two, having been revealed the glorious treasures of God’s Word, were caught up in the pride of accomplishment—not unlike King Uzziah. God gives us our gifts and talents, and we are to utilize them for Kingdom service and edification of the Body. They’re not intended for our personal glory.

Jesus told His disciples not to rejoice in the fact that they could overcome Satan and his minions with just His Holy Name. But, rather, that their names were written in heaven.

And it’s right there that Jesus rejoiced!

Jesus was delighted for the seventy-two, just as He is for each and every one of us who have our names written in heaven. In another passage, Jesus declared, “¹⁰ … I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 ESV

…before the angels of God…

Jesus is before the angels of God. He is Commander of the heavenly host. He is filled with joy and He rejoices when even just one of us turns to Him in faith and repents of our sin.

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! ²⁴ For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Luke 10:23-24 ESV

We are blessed when we uncover the mystery of God through Jesus Christ. People a whole lot smarter, and in much higher position, study and wait for years for the revelations Jesus just lavishes on His people. We need only faith to stand in His grace.

Click to Buy

In faith, turn to our gracious Savior today! Repent of your sin and live a new life in Him. I guarantee, He will rejoice over you!

¹⁷ The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

© 2018 Ta`Mara Hanscom

Leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for an ebook copy of book #1 of the Caselli Family Series, The Pretender - A Blackguard in Disguise by Ta'Mara Hanscom

~~~~~

A Blackguard's Redemption

A Blackguard s Redemption is the third volume of 5 in the epic romance series The Caselli Family Series.
Eleven years have passed since Noah and Tillie s chance meeting. Tillie is married to Alex Martin, III. Noah has been a widower for the past five years, and has grown terribly lonely.
Giuseppe and Rosa conspired, along with their daughter-in-law, Tara, to keep Noah s identity a secret...but little did they know that Noah himself would reveal their deceptions to an unsuspecting Angel.
As Alex relocates his family to Rapid City, SD, Noah s heart returns to the desire of a love he s never forgotten. And while Alex grows in the limelight of politics, Angel s heart softens to another man.
When tragedy strikes the Martins, Alex abandons his wife and children in their greatest hour of need. Giuseppe watches his planned marriage unravel and confesses his deceit to Noah.
Caught between a workaholic husband and a charming old flame, Tillie is torn between righteousness and desire.

~~~

 Fiction to Ignite Your Faith

Ta`Mara Hanscom was born and raised in South Dakota. She has lived in Sioux Falls, Tea, and Rapid City, the primary location of her fictional series, The Caselli Family Series.

Ta`Mara is a dedicated Bible scholar, specializing in the Old Testament which she has taught at her home church. She also teaches AWANA Sparks and speaks at women’s events.

She works full time on her writing and Bible lessons in northwest Iowa, where she currently resides with her husband Jim. She has three grown children and one grandson, two rescued cats and one Pomeranian. 

Ta'Mara's Website

Ta'Mara on Twitter

Ta'Mara on Facebook