70

That’s how many messengers Jesus appointed to prepare cities in advance of His arrival. He sent them out in pairs. This way, they could reach 35 cities simultaneously. Jesus wants people saved. [1]

He said to His messengers… “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” [2]

This was their mission. To bring in harvest and increase harvesters.

“Go your way. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.” [3] Wait! What was that! Don’t wolves eat lambs? Why are You sending us into harm’s way? Don’t You love us?

Yes, Jesus loves us, but He loves all people. He wants all people saved.

“Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” [4]

When we bring the message of Jesus to people, we bring to them the kingdom of God. We give them the opportunity to receive eternal life. We bring divine healing to the sick. We pray for them in the Name of Jesus.

“Then the 70 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 give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’” [5]

70! That’s how many returned from a dangerous mission. Not one was lost! All were joyful! All amazed! The powerful Name of Jesus, unlocked hearts… healed sick bodies… and opened heaven’s door to sinners who needed a Savior.

The power of Satan is no match for Jesus. Jesus delegates His authority and power to us His messengers so that we have authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us.

Our Lord’s kingdom spreads by HIS authority and HIS power. These are the tools we need to do the work.

“Dear 70,

Yes, you've got God's backing to defeat Satan, but rejoice in this…Your names are written in Heaven.”

Hallelujah!

[1] Luke 10:1
[2] Matthew 9:37
[3] Luke 10:3
[4] Luke 10:8-9
[5] Luke 10:17-20