Luke 10:17-24

content/bible_journal/luke_10:17-24.md

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+title = "Luke 10:17–24"
+date = "2022-12-06"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk10.17-24)
+
+However long they were gone, the seventy(-two) disciples returned to Jesus
+filled with joy because they had exercised authority over supernatural beings.
+Jesus responds with a cryptic statement about Satan falling from heaven. There
+is a sliding scale between literal and metaphorical in how it should be
+interpreted, and there are not a lot of clues on where on the scale we should
+fall. In the context of the disciples' return, somewhere towards the
+metaphorical end seems more likely. Satan probably wasn't exiled from heaven at
+that time because of the disciples' mission, but describing a defeat or foiling
+of schemes this way sounds plausible.
+
+Jesus informs the disciples that they have been given authority over the power
+of the enemy, but they are not torejoice in it. This is to keep them from being
+proud and taking this authority for granted. Second Peter and Jude both have
+verses about not reviling angelic majesties, which is what false teachers and
+charlatan faith healers do when they act like they can order demons around.
+Instead, we are to rejoice that our names are written in heaven, for then we
+are safe from all danger, ultimately. For then even if we die, we win.
+
+Jesus is then moved by the Holy Spirit to praise the Father for hiding these
+truths from those who think they know but also revealing His will to those who
+otherwise had no chance at knowing. We who have heard God's Word are blessed to
+receive it not because we deserve to, but because He chose to give it to us
+despite our undeservedness.
+
+* * *
+
+Your ways are higher than our ways, and we are sheltered under Your wings.