The Greatest Miracle Ever

Over this Easter holiday, the Lord drew my attention to a few significant verses in Luke 10 where the disciples had just returned from a “mission trip” and came to share with Jesus about what they witnessed. “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’” [Luke 10:17-20]At first reaction, it would seem that Jesus just rained on their parade, downplaying the miracles and wonders they had both seen and took part in (Gee, thanks Jesus!). But upon more reflection, I think Jesus’ desire was to get his disciples to move their focus and source of joy off of the “minor miracles” and onto the “greatest miracle”. Jesus was reminding them that Satan had already been cast out of heaven (he saw it happen) and only has the power and authority that God has allowed him. Therefore, Jesus is not shocked at the disciples’ ability to drive out demons… this seems to be a “no-brainer”. Instead he points them to the greatest miracle that they have experienced for themselves and have seen others take part in… ETERNAL LIFE!How often I struggle with wanting to see God perform little miracles all around me—to see someone's sight restored, cancer thwarted, health regained, or hand healed before my eyes. Yet, over and over, I have seen people enter into a relationship with the Living God and inherit eternal life! That’s a MIRACLE! “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents,” Jesus says later in Luke 15:10.I hope that you (like me) will be able to reflect more on the amazing gift of salvation so graciously lavished on us by Jesus’ death and resurrection well beyond this Easter holiday. Let’s not lose sight of the miraculous work that God has done in each of our lives and the lives of others by granting us faith in His Son. Happy Easter!