“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in Heaven,” Luke 10:20.

“What are you doing here?”

I recognized the voice, but wow was I surprised to see the person. It was my sister. She was supposedly in the State of Washington. Why was I hearing her voice in my parent’s farmhouse?

The real question was, “What was she doing there?” Well, to make a long story short, she was paying them, and now me, a surprise visit. I was there to do some much needed yard work. You all know what a ‘good’ son I am. Mom says I’m her ‘best’ son. Dad quickly adds that I am their ‘only’ son.

As I did some yard work, I kept thinking about that question, “What are you doing here?” Was there a place where I would never be asked that question? Praise God, there is.

It’s the place I long for more than any other. The place every spiritual leader desires his or her followers to claim as their very own. No other joy can compare with having your name recorded in this place.

Why is this so important?

Because, even in the spiritual arena, there are many compelling and competing joys. In Luke 10, the disciples were on a joyous high. Reporting back to Jesus, they were awestruck that even the demons were subject to them in His Name. Now this is a good joy, but it’s one that can be deceptive. In some cases, it lends itself to pride. In other cases, when victories are few and far between, it can foster discouragement and doubt.

Jesus was not trying to burst their bubble. He was pointing them to a permanent joy that cannot be burst. It’s the supreme joy. The greatest joy in the midst of fruitfulness and barrenness. What could ever be more exhilarating than knowing my name is written down in Heaven?

Amazing as it is, I know I will never hear Christ say, “What are you doing here?” Just the opposite, I will hear Him say, “Michael, enter into the JOY of your eternal rest!”