What Jesus Did! 'Eyes on the Prize!' — Luke 10:17-20

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

When the seventy-two disciples returned [after being sent as missionaries], they joyfully reported to [Jesus], "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!"

"Yes," he told them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."

— Luke 10:17-20 NLT

Key Thought

If you are like me at all, you find yourself distracted from the ultimate goal by all sorts of temporary opportunities, achievements, and victories. I've come to realize that Satan lets few victories remain without counterattack and that I often let my guard down after a major victory. While Jesus was thrilled about the disciples' successes, he also knew their vulnerabilities and wanted to keep them focused on the ultimate blessing — eternity with God in heaven. Let's "keep our eyes on the prize" while we rejoice that Jesus does his great work through us!

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess that I let the world, and those moments of glory that I find in the world, distract me from my goal of serving you and ultimately spending eternal life with you in heaven. Keep my hope focused on the glory yet to be revealed to me at Jesus' coming. At the same time, Father, please work through me to accomplish your mission and to bring you praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 14:1-4
  • 1 John 3:1-2
  • Philippians 3:13-14

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 10:17-20 NLT — "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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