Luke 10:20

As great as victory over injury and especially demons was, a greater cause for rejoicing was the Seventy’s assurance that God would reward them. God makes note of those who commit themselves to participating in His mission. Jesus’ comparison helps all disciples keep His blessings in their proper perspective.

There appear to be several records that God keeps in heaven. There is the book of the living, namely, those who are presently alive on the earth (Exodus 32:32-33; Deuteronomy 29:20; Psalms 69:28; Isaiah 4:3). There is also a book containing the names of the lost and their deeds (Revelation 20:12). There is a book with the names of the elect in it (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:27). A fourth book evidently contains the names of faithful followers of the Lord (Malachi 3:16; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 3:5). In view of the context it was apparently to this last record that Jesus referred here. Obviously God needs no literal ledgers to keep records in since He knows all. This is a figurative way of saying that He remembers.

This whole pericope deals with the joy that disciples who participate in God’s mission for them experience. The greatest and most fundamental reason for rejoicing for any disciple is his or her personal salvation. Yet there is additional joy for disciples who take part in God’s program and advance His will in the world. It involves seeing a preview of the final victory over the forces of evil (cf. Matthew 16:18). This joy more than compensates for the deprivations and rejection that discipleship entails. Non-participating disciples know nothing of this joy.