Becky Crenshaw

Behold, I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions and [physical and mental and strength and ability] over all power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in anyway harm you.

Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven.  Luke 10:19-20 AMP

The years my oldest son was in preschool, preceded the days of online school registration.  The ease of website enrollment had not yet hit the scene, so young moms and dads were left to sweat it out in long lines.  Holding on to hope and checkbooks, praying that the lady in front of them didn’t have a kid their son’s age.

I remember waking at 4:30 in the morning to prepare for my place in line.  I would pack breakfast, a Bible, a good read, an insulated mug of coffee and drive dark roads to our preschool preference.  Wanting so badly to have our kids in this program, I needed to make sure I was first mommy in line.

We looked like Bieber groupies, camping out for front row seats. Or even worse, Black Friday die-hards, pitching tents for flat screens in front of Best Buy the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  It was cold and early, but we were eager to ensure our child’s enrollment in our first-choice classroom spot.

Looking back on those days, I am thankful now for the ease of on-line registration.  But even more, I am thankful for the nugget of Truth found in Luke 10:20

“….but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven.”

There are no lines to God.  We mustn’t act right or do well or wake early to stand in line for Him.  Believer, your name is enrolled in Heaven.  Your seat is marked.  And not one person is going to bump you out of line.

We make it too difficult sometimes.  We tell ourselves, I must wake earlier, read more, pray harder, worship louder, serve longer  to ensure my position with His favor.

No.

All He wants is your “yes” and your heart.  Your name is enrolled, already.

Now…. reading and worship and praying and serving…. all important for intimacy and growth.  But your standing with God is not dependent on it.

That is so Old School (a.k.a. Old Testament)

Jesus came to fulfill the Law and to take your heavy-laden, impossible requirements upon Himself…

Giving you a front row spot to the Father.

So today, rejoice.  Your name is enrolled in the program. 

No elbows or tents required.

Reflect:  Deep inside, do you feel you are still trying to earn favor with God?