“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’” (Luke 10:17-20)  I have always found the “return of the 70” to be rather intriguing.  They have apparently had remarkable success in their ministry.  Jesus’ response is perhaps not what we might expect.  He does not get on the bandwagon of their celebration.  Instead, he reminds them of “first things, first.”  Ultimately all of our victories (and for that matter, our defeats) in ministry are eclipsed by the most basic reality that this is God’s work and not ours.  Success easily becomes the temptation to believe that we have finally “made a name for ourselves.”  And so Jesus reminds us that our name has already been established in a much securer location than what we might build.  I find both great comfort in this and an encouragement to remain faithful in Christ’s work.  These are uncertain times in so many ways.  However, we do know this: because of our Lord’s power over all things, we may be confident that the victory has been, is and will be won.  Have a great week!