August 16, 2016
GOD IS NEVER SURPRISED OR CYNICAL
Luke 10:17–24
Kristi Lichtenberg
Central Truth
We can celebrate the eternal truth of the gospel, even when we face the (temporary) cost of following Christ and the painful decisions of others.
Key Verse | Luke 10:21
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will." (Luke 10:21)
Luke 10:17–24
The Return of the Seventy-Two
17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 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. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus Rejoices in the Father's Will
21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 1 10:21 Or for so it pleased you well 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
Dive Deeper | Luke 10:17–24
God is never surprised or cynical.
I remember where I was when that thought first occurred to me. Immediately, years of guilt and shame melted away. You see, when I was young, I truly desired to walk with God and felt His delight. But after life took an unexpected turn, resentment and lack of forgiveness ruled my heart. I began living life on my own terms, just trying to kill the pain. I quickly found myself entrapped in sin, seeing no way back to my previous life of joy and purpose.
Even though I gradually turned back and started walking with Christ again, I was wracked with shame. I felt that I had not lived up to my Heavenly Father’s hopes for me. Then it hit me. I might have grieved Him, but my sin did not take Him by surprise. He loved me in my youth and loved me when I strayed.
As I contemplate this truth once again, I am more astounded that Christ loves and accepts us. He even celebrates and rejoices in our victories, even though He knows the future and knows that we will fail again. His eternal perspective allows Him to see and celebrate the ultimate victory (our names are written in the Book of Life), rather than be cynical about our weaknesses and impending failures.
Before the events in today’s passage, Jesus had predicted His death twice and continued to warn the disciples of the cost of following Him. After He sent them out in pairs to minister to the surrounding areas, He watched them return and celebrate spiritual victories. Even though He knew their childlike faith would not be strong when the hour of betrayal came, He still rejoiced in the Father’s gracious plan to reveal truth and call them into an eternal relationship.
When I realized that God’s love for me was secure and that He delighted in me, even though He knew I would turn away and act as if I had no Father, I was drawn to Him even more.
His love is so unlike ours, which reminds me of I John 3:19-20, "By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."
Discussion Questions
1. Do you believe that God’s love for you and His relationship with you is dependent on your actions or on His character and truth?
2. Are you able to celebrate the spiritual victories of those around you, or do you find yourself being cynical about how long it will be until they let you down?
3. Do you experience times of discouragement after spiritual victories? If so, are you drawn to the emotional “high” of spiritual situations more than to the never-changing assurance of eternal life in Christ?