I saw Satan fall ...

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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.”

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It is clear in the gospels that the forces of evil are terrified of Jesus. In each interaction with him demons are heard pleading with him to not be destroyed before their time. Jesus exhibited authority over such beings. Likewise, in his name, the seventy-two who were sent out had this amazing power. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for them to be doing the things that they had only seen Jesus doing before this. The experience must have been surreal.

Yet the bottom-line reaction of our Lord was to speak to them not about evil but about heaven. I think that the key in dealing with evil demonic forces is to first understand who Jesus is and to then understand who we are in him. Our faith in Jesus, and in his name, is powerful when confronted by evil. Speaking his name, even in a whisper, is powerful when we truly know that our names are written in his heavenly book. It is a reason to greatly rejoice.

Let Satan fall again today Lord as I walk with you and speak your name in prayer.

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