Jesus sends seventy-two disciples to neighboring towns to preach, help, and heal. They’ll no doubt face skepticism and rejection. On the contrary, after returning they crowd around Jesus, blabbing like an auctioneer, telling all about their mission and what they’d witnessed including, as it says in Luke 10, that ‘…even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ (v. 17).

Jesus’ reply is puzzling. As if experiencing a vision, He says this–‘…I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven’ (v. 18). The disciples’ success is summarized as if Jesus witnesses the archenemy falling out of God’s domain. This allusion goes way back in sacred history when Satan originally revolts against God Almighty and fights the big fight only to utterly lose, getting booted out of heavenly glory along with angels who have signed up with the wrong side.

What could possess Satan to make such a poor, toxic, and terminal decision? I imagine that this ungodly enemy got caught up in himself. All heady floating around like a modern-day astronaut without gravity. That he craved being numero uno. First in his class. Head honcho. The big enchilada, while shoving God to the side.

And that’s when gravity prevails. He gets so into himself, that relishing his self-importance causes Satan to deflate, falling from the sky, and plummeting down to rock-hard earth. A force of gravity that will only add pain and suffering not only for himself but everywhere.

Here’s a hint: don’t get too much into yourself. It’s easy to do. Focus elsewhere. Think of others once in a while, for a refreshing change of pace. Be like one of those seventy-two working for the Master. Being more honest about who ultimately blesses my life and yours. Giving credit where it’s due. You know where and you know who. Don’t you?

Anything for Jesus, even a cup of water to a thirsty person (Mark 9: 41), results in Satan falling farther off his nasty perch. But, while he can, especially since he knows that his time is short (Rev.12: 12), Satan wants nothing more than to discourage us into a spiritual slumber of cold storage. To drown us in a funk mood. Don’t let his gravity force drag you one step closer to his rotten level.

Get up. Pray. Wait on the Lord. I know, easier said than done. I’m no different. But there are ways to overcome that free-falling destroyer and accuser. Live for Jesus. Rejoice in the Lord. Just like those seventy-two did many years ago. Cherish your Savior and Lord.

Time for action? You know what to do? I do. So, let’s giddyup and go…for Jesus!

Lord Jesus, help me to be busy for you this week. Amen.