S – ¹⁹ Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. ²⁰ However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 

Luke 10:19–20 CSB

O – Jesus sent out seventy-two to go before him and do ministry in his name.  This is his response when they rejoiced in the victories upon their return.  Vs. 20 is an important principle – “Celebrate the wins but don’t lose focus on what is central – the relationship with God.”  

A – Both are important.  You need to slow down and celebrate a victory.  It is important for relationships and recognizing the effort in following God’s will.  In the OT, Bible heroes built altars and monuments to remember their wins.  Yet, we can’t stay there and make that our only way of approaching God.  The relationship with God is dynamic, growing and changing.  We must grow in our intimacy to move with God to the next thing.  That relationship is the base of the tree and the victories and challenges are the branches and scars.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.