Jesus had just given the seventy-two immense authority. The kind of power that could go to your head if you weren’t careful. The demons were submitting to them and that may have spooked them out a little. When you think about it, being able to send demons on the run is some awesome power. Jesus’ response was at once congratulatory and at the same time a reminder. His comment, which followed a “however”, was intended to remind them and us as well that there are some things which are more important than others.

You will remember his conversation with Martha, the sister of Lazarus, where he explained how there were decisions more important than others. Let’s review, “…but few things are needed–or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

To listen to Jesus and to have one’s name written in heaven trump all the rest. Christians cannot afford pride. We are humbled that God sent his son to the cross and we rejoice that he loved us enough to do it.  How awesome that he made us his children and wrote our names in his book of life. To listen to Jesus is more important than all the “things” that bothered Martha and unfortunately us.

All the things that are creating stress in our minds and hearts and then our bodies are not important. They will all be taken away. Choosing to hear and follow Jesus is eternal in consequence and its results will never be taken away.

No matter what our gift, it is not a reason to rejoice. No matter how God uses us it is not a matter to brag or rejoice about. Having our name in heaven is the ultimate. It is the peak, it is what is better and it can’t be taken away.

Is your name written in heaven? If not, then there can be no rejoicing until it is. Today would be a good time to put our lives into a proper perspective, to decide what really is the better choice than can’t be taken away.