In Luke 10:1-2 we see Jesus sending out the 70 to prepare the way for Him to come later. You could say that this was His pre-crusade team!
1 NOW AFTER this the Lord chose and appointed seventy others and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to come (visit). 2 And He said to them, The harvest indeed is abundant [there is much ripe grain], but the farmhands are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Jesus had sent them to preach the Gospel, heal the sick and cast out devils. This is what happened when they returned! Verse 17:
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!
What was Jesus' response to this? Verses 18-20:
18 And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven. 19 Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven.
Do YOU know why Jesus said this to them? Once our attention moves from HIM to the power that comes from Him, then we are in danger of being as those who "worship the creature more than the Creator" (Romans 1:24)! Falling in love with the power and authority was the very thing that caused the downfall of Lucifer! What is God's plan, then? Philippians 3:10:
10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection AMP
The more that we come to know HIM, the more that we will know and understand how to operate in the power and authority that belong to us as members of the family of God! THIS keeps our focus on HIM instead of on the power! Amen! I LOVE the Word of God! I hope YOU do, too! Here is Hillsong United with "Lost Are Found":
"The Lost Are Found"
Everlasting
While earthly ages fade
In mercy
Our God Your kingdom reigns
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
In the Savior
Injustice brought to right
For Your glory
That Your name be lifted high
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You are God
Forever You will reign
[x3]
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You are God
Forever You will reign
[x8]
Shalom in Him!
