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Luke 10:17-20

Overcome Fear

You may have heard the expression "facing your demons?" It means confronting your fears that you have been trying to avoid. There are a number of issues in my life and ministry that I find intimidating and at times overwhelming. The more I avoid and ignore them the bigger and more complex they become. For the 70 disciples who laboured for Christ they faced actual demons. I can barely imagine what that would have been like. I find it hard enough to help people wrestle with life long addictions, or deep hurt and heartache let alone confronting a real spiritual force that is evil.

In Luke 10:17-20 the disciples returned with joy because even the demons were subject to Christ's name. There are some cultures today that live in fear of evil spirits and go to great lengths to ward them off or to appease them. It is amazing that the disciples were able to cast out demons in Christ's name. They journeyed without fear because Christ provided and protected them. This teaches me that if Christ wants me to do something for him then he will help me. So I'm encouraged to face my demons, to confront what I fear for Christ and in Christ.

Christ would have me labour for him despite my fears. This means not giving up on people who have really big struggles. It means coming along side them, sitting with them in their pain, suffering, confusion, anger and betrayal. Demons are scary and they should be feared but Christ has overcome demons as the disciples found out. This means that even though there are some things that frighten me I can look to Christ who takes all my fears and overcomes them. the Rev

Luke 10:17-20 Rejoice in Christ

Exercises

• Discuss in what way the disciples were victorious v17 (remember Go! Heal! Understand v1-17). Share in what way Christ has given you a victory.

• In what way does the example of the disciples (in v18-19) give you courage to Go! Heal! Understand!

• Explore the significance of Christ’s shift in what the disciples are to rejoice in (v20). Share in what way you would like to shift what you rejoice in.

Prayer: Lord Jesus I rejoice in you for giving me victory, courage and hope outside of myself. Forgive me for living my life with an emphasis on my ability to live the way I want to rather than in service of you. Grant to me a growing clarity of how I can live more deliberately within your Kingdom so that I might be a blessing to my family, friends, church and community.  Amen