I find that I often make excuses when given the opportunity to build the Kingdom of God. I say, I’m too tired/busy to serve, or to have that conversation, or to reach out to that person. Really what I mean is: I don’t want to. I don’t want to be inconvenienced; I don’t want to give up my time or energy for others.

It can be hard to truly say to God each day, “not my will, but Yours be done on earth as it is in heaven.” But when I remember what Christ has done for me, how He submitted to the Father’s will, suffering on my behalf, then how can I not give up my life, time, and energy to make much of Him? My life is not my own; my life is Christ’s and is purposed for His kingdom-building.

When I don’t want to go, here’s what I have to remember:

1. The devil loves to stop us from building God’s kingdom. He’d like nothing more than for us to sit on the sidelines or not show up.

2. God gives grace and strength to us when we act in obedience to His calling. He equips those He calls. I don’t have to feel that I have enough when I obey; I do have to trust that God will be enough for me and for those I’m going to.

3. The Lord encourages and uplifts us when we are obedient. I am blessed back when I am used by God to bless others.

Today, we look at the return of the seventy-two who were sent out by Jesus to proclaim the kingdom of God. They return in joy, amazed at the Lord’s work in their ministry. Jesus reminds them to rejoice in God’s grace rather than the power they received to do kingdom work. We must never confuse the gift and the Giver.

Where is the Lord calling you to share in his kingdom-building work? Have you experienced the joy that comes from serving the Lord?

[Luke 10.17-20]

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 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. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ How are the seventy-two described upon their return from ministry? [v. 17]

+ What are they celebrating? Where did they get this authority? [v. 17]

+ What does Jesus say in response? What does this demonstrate about the power of God versus the power of Satan? Why is this important for believers to know? [vv. 18-9]

+ What does Jesus say the disciples should rejoice in? Why? [v. 20]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Have I let God send me lately? Do I need to confess my unwillingness to obey His call?

+ Do I believe that Jesus gives me power over the spiritual and physical dangers on earth?

+ Am I rejoicing that my name is written in heaven?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How can I take a step of obedience this week to God’s kingdom-building work?