Luke 10:19-20 MEV
Look, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you. [20] Nevertheless do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Jesus gives His disciples two powerful words:
1. Authority — Greek:exousia
This doesn’t just mean “power to do.” It means delegated right and legal authority. A king gives exousia to an ambassador. Jesus is saying: “I’m giving you My backing. What’s under My feet is now under yours.”
That’s why serpents, scorpions, and “all the power of the enemy” can be trampled. You’re not fighting in your own strength. You’re walking with heaven’s authority.
2. Rejoice — Greek: chairo
It means to be glad, to thrive, to be in a state of well-being. But Jesus redirects it. Don’t let your chairo come from what you can do, even miracles and deliverance.
Your deepest chairo comes from this: your names are written in heaven — apogegrammai en tois ouranois. That’s a perfect tense. It means “written down, and it stands.” Permanent. Secure. Citizenship.
It’s easy to get excited about what God does through us. Authority over the enemy is real, and “nothing shall by any means hurt you.” But Jesus says the greater miracle isn’t power over darkness. It’s that your name is on His list.
You’re not just useful to God. You’re known by God.
You’re not just protected. You’re owned.
That’s what cannot be taken away.
So today, walk in the authority He’s given you. Trample what needs to be trampled.
But let your joy rest here: Heaven knows your name.
Prayer
Father, thank You that I have authority in Jesus to overcome the enemy. But more than that, thank You that my name is written in heaven. Keep my heart from finding its joy in performance, and anchor it in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What part of this is speaking to you most today?
Emmanuel Owusu