The seventy-two 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 have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:17-20 (ESV)

This was really neat to read today. Part of the way Jesus triumphs over Satan is though the work of the church. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom 16:20a). As the church goes about kingdom business (preaching, healing, going) Jesus trimuphs. As the seventy went out Satan was cast down. When we carry the gospel to the nations (including the USA) we get to participate in God bringing all things under Jesus’ feet. We get to be involved in His trimuph over sin and death and hell. Why would we not do these things?

Of course our work is not the totality of Jesus’ triumph. We didn’t particiapte in His death on the cross and we don’t grant regeneration. I think this is why Jesus told his disciples to be more amazed that their names were written in heaven. While we are doing the work of the kingdom we should be mostly amazed that God would ever use or involve someone like us. Salvation is even more amazing than signs and wonders.