They Came Back, With Joy!

They Came Back, With Joy!
by Jason Cruise


Danger is a reality of life for the true disciple, yet in the lives of Jesus followers, I believe we think that perhaps the Master was just speaking metaphorically when He said: 
 
If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. (John 15:20)
In Luke 10 you see Jesus sending people out to battle. Think about the sobriety of it: they were going out on a homeless option; on a straight up odyssey, where the only agenda for the day was to wake up, get in the fight, and see what happens.

"The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."

They came back with joy. Not beat down. Not discouraged. They experienced real fulfillment. 

Understand what's being said here: they came back with joy because they encountered demons, sleepless nights, "no clue as to what might happen today" sort of stuff. They had a great time being sent on a wild, unpredictable, homeless every day until somebody says "sleep at my house tonight" kind of journey.

Why the joy? Because they were living their lives with a purpose ordained by God instead of a manufactured dream based on their own set of life goals. They were obedient to God, and obedience, friend, is the birthplace of vision.

God have them a vision for their future. They acted on it. Then, and only then, did they find fulfillment that springs from the joy of knowing you are walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

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