For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans‬ ‭10:11-13

I used to read these verses as a challenge and call to put my trust in Jesus Christ, but always with an emphasis on the strength and quality of my faith. However, when shift the focus from myself to Jesus, the way this passage is understood is a bit different.

The encouragement this passage gives is that it’s not the strength of my faith that makes the difference, but the object of my faith. This means that as long as my faith is oriented towards Christ, He is faithful and able to save me. I no longer need to focus on my faith, but rest assured that because I trust in Jesus, He takes care of me forevermore.

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

As the seventy-two disciples of Jesus came back from different towns, they were filled with joy at what they had experienced. Jesus, however, calls out on what they should be rejoicing about. 

If you have been a Christ follower for some time, there are invariably a few situations in your life where you have experienced God’s provision and involvement. And even though those are great blessings, we tend to find more joy, or be more amazed by those than our relationship with God. Jesus gives us a reminder that our true blessing and source of joy is not in the fact that our lives are safe, successful or prosperous, but in the fact that our names are written in heaven—meaning that we have a loving relationship with the Lord Most High.