Your Name Written in Heaven | Thursday
Devotional
When the disciples returned excited about their successful ministry, Jesus gave them a crucial perspective shift. He told them not to rejoice primarily in what they had accomplished, but in something far more significant – their names were written in heaven. This distinction reveals the source of lasting joy.
Our achievements, no matter how impressive or meaningful, are temporary. Ministry success, career advancement, personal victories – these things can be celebrated, but they shouldn’t be the foundation of our joy. They’re fleeting and can be taken away by circumstances beyond our control.
But having our names written in heaven represents something eternal and unshakeable. It speaks to our identity as God’s children, our secure position in His family, and our guaranteed future with Him. This reality was established before we ever did anything good or bad – it’s based entirely on God’s grace and Christ’s finished work.
The enemy may know our names and identify us by our failures, but Jesus knows the depth of our sin and still calls us by the name He’s given us in the book of life. This is where true, lasting joy is found – not in what we’ve done, but in what He has done for us.
Bible Verse
‘However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ – Luke 10:20
Reflection Question
How does knowing your name is written in heaven change the way you view both your successes and your failures?
Quote
Don’t rejoice in what you have done, because that’s fleeting. That’s not real joy. It’s temporary. Don’t rejoice in what happened yesterday. Rejoice in what is secure for all eternity.
Prayer
Thank You, Jesus, that my identity and joy are secure in You, not in my performance. Help me find my deepest satisfaction in being Your child.