Luke 10:21

New King James Version

Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.

For Encouragement

This is great!

The recent destruction and devastation from heavy rainfall and flooding in Ghana this week, coupled with the stark reminder of our own carelessness in maintaining cleanliness, have left me somber. However, as I face this weekend with clouds still threatening more rain, today’s scripture passage offers a profound sense of hope and lifts my spirit. We lift our hands to the Lord, seeking His mercy. This uplifting message from God is exactly what I needed, assuring me we have not lost everything. He remains in control of His creation. He rejoices over His beloved in Christ.

The seventy-two disciples returned from their mission, filled with joy over their success, noting that even demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name (Lk. 10:17). However, the Master urged them not to rejoice in their ministry success, the power of which came from Him. Instead, their greatest wonder should be the reality of their salvation, the point of all the authority and miracles they exercised (20). Cf. Heb:12:23; Rev. 21:27.

Jesus, immensely joyful reflecting on the revelation of the Father’s plans and purposes to His disciples, offered a prayer of thanksgiving to Him (Lk. 10:21). Imagine our Lord Jesus celebrating you and me for the insight the Father has given us into His redemptive work through Calvary—His work that would reconcile us to God.

The height of His joy was that the Father had hidden His eternal redemptive plan from the wise and learned, and has now revealed it to undeserving us. If seeing Jesus in the fullness of joy over these things does not break your sad, icy heart, I don’t know what will.  

The knowledge of how God would redeem His elect from this sinful and chaotic world and make one people out of two—Jews and Gentiles—had been a well-kept secret, a mystery from eternity until its revelation in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7-12, 2:11-13; 1 Cor. 2:7; Col. 1:26-27). Angels did not perceive it; prophets declared it with veiled eyes; rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms had no clue; and the wise and learned on earth could not comprehend it. God, in His infinite wisdom and purpose, had hidden these mysteries from them. But now, by grace in Christ, He has revealed them to us. Hallelujah!

I feel special that God has revealed His eternal secrets to me in Christ. Like Abraham, when God asked, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? (Gen. 18:17), I am overjoyed. I hope it makes you feel special, too.

Are you aware of the immense privilege and blessings you have in Christ? Can you celebrate Jesus and the abundant grace He has poured out on you? By sharing this Good News and living it as a testament to His redemptive power, you can spread that joy. This will bring joy and pleasure to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray with Me

Lord Jesus, I rejoice with you through the Holy Spirit. I praise the Father, Lord of heaven and earth, who has revealed to me in Christ the secrets of your redemptive work, which were hidden from the wise. Thank you for granting me eternal life and the hope of glory in Christ, making me part of the church triumphant. May I live in this joy and continue to rejoice in your unparalleled name, amen.

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