Dear Brothers,

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18). So says he who by his life and death was in the process of earning that stunning fall for the ancient serpent. Every time the gospel is proclaimed to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people (including adding souls to those numbered as his holy people), Satan falls to the earth yet again like a spent firework. Just like with the 72, God uses your ministry to produce one stunning defeat after another for Satan. Such is the glory of what your ministry accomplishes in Christ’s name.

But, as you well know, it doesn’t always look so glorious. That is precisely why Jesus didn’t only share in the joy of that ministry debriefing session with the 72, he also prepared them to find joy even on days when the debriefing would be more outwardly discouraging. “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (10:20).

Such joy renews our zeal to live out the privilege of public ministry.  Such joy informs our reason to keep growing spiritually and professionally for that ministry.

In Him,

Rich