When his seventy-two followers joyfully returned to Jesus, they said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
And Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the enemy’s power. Nothing can harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage, from the section sometimes titled “The Joyful Return,” is filled with spiritual, metaphysical wisdom for living an honorable life. In it, Jesus teaches his followers that they have the same Christ essence (divine, anointed nature) within them that he has. In giving them authority, he reminds them of the responsibility to live from this true nature.
- Satan, or the devil, isn’t God’s alter ego, although many cultures have devilish entities that try to fight a Supreme Being. In fact, the “devil” is a consciousness (mindset) out of sync with its Christ essence. When you follow Jesus’s non-dualistic thinking, you know God as all good, everywhere present, all the time, in all ways. As Jesus taught throughout his ministry, you must align with God to discern how best to live.
- Jesus is mystic, master teacher, healer, and wayshower for multitudes because he is a fully embodied, grounded spirit radiating his absolute divinity. Everything he does is God-guided and God-directed. He doesn’t argue with or demean others. He advises his followers to live harmoniously and be a source of divine love, meeting others where they are, just as he does. They aren’t to rejoice in anyone’s misfortune.
- In addition, Jesus teaches about personal autonomy and sacred responsibility. But if you believe in an antagonistic being that tempts or harms you, you relinquish responsibility for your own life. If you say the devil made you do something, you affirm that you’re a puppet or victim, unable to live freely.
- Demonstration is your evidence of how well your life works. So, recognize that your only enemy is your divine nature turned upside down. If something in your life isn’t working, affirm that no one and nothing is against you. Choose to transform yourself and your perspective by writing your name in heaven, the place where you’re fully present to and connected with your Christ essence. Then, trust your intuition and create your own glorious life.
Contemplation Questions for Reflection:
Ask yourself:
- In what, if any, ways have I believed in someone or something being against me?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever ways apply.
- In what, if any, ways have I relinquished authority for my life?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever ways apply.
- What are at least three (3) ways I can reclaim my authority?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.
As you use this devotional, remember that you’re a divine spiritual being with a radiant soul, living in a sacred body temple, having human experiences. So, be gentle with yourself and lovingly acknowledge that you did the best you could with what you had before. Forgive yourself for any mistakes and shortcomings. Then, choose to embrace your own life and rejoice that you can create heaven for yourself, right where you are.
© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by LedyX.
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