You’re on the List – October 4, 2024

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

You’re on the List

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The White House is one of the most famous houses in America because it’s home to one of the most powerful leaders in the world. It is not easy to get into it. You can’t just walk in off the street. Your name must be on a list, sometimes months in advance.

How easy is it to get into heaven? Can anyone get in? Does everybody get in? Does nobody get in?

The answer is that your name must be on the list. Well, how do you get on the list?

One word: Jesus. Because of what he has done and through faith in him, your name is written in heaven. This message is what Jesus had sent the disciples to share. God empowered them to do miraculous things to support the truth of their message, even driving out demons. The disciples returned from this trip with joyful hearts. When they shared their experience with Jesus, he explained that the message worked, and he “saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” The evil angel, Satan, was defeated when names were written on the list of heaven.

After Jesus sent out his disciples to share his powerful name, the disciples returned and reported they drove out demons because of it. However, Jesus reminded them and us that the most important thing is that our “names are written in heaven.” The only way that happens is through faith in him!

Notice what Jesus said to the disciples personally. As exciting as it was to drive out demons, and as special as it was that they could share Jesus, he reminded them, “Rejoice that YOUR names are written in heaven.” They were on the list. Heaven was their home.

One day, we’ll see the good angels in heaven. The devil and his rebel angels will never be in heaven. Their names will never be on the list. But what a joy that we will have the privilege some of the angels won’t. By God’s grace, our names will be on the list.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to earth to carry out your plan of salvation. Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our home in heaven is secured. We are on the list! Please help us to be eager to share this good news with others that they, too, may say, “Heaven is my home!” Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What was something special that the disciples were able to do?
• Who are some people who tell you about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Who is on the list of heaven?
• Tell of a time when you talked to someone about Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name some people you know whose names are on the list of heaven. Explain why you think they are on the list.
• How would you explain to someone why Jesus is so important to you?