July 15, 2026

My Name in Heaven

Gospel of Luke 10:20

Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Dear Readers,

People rarely look forward to studying stamps. Most of the time, heads of state or famous figures stare back at us with serious expressions. The American aviation pioneer William T. Piper is an exception. Flying in the sky behind him is the famous airplane Piper J-3 Cub, named after him. As far as I know, Piper was a successful businessman as well.

The 72 disciples which were sent out by the Lord Jesus to serve were also “successful” (Gospel of Luke 10:17–20). Full of joy, they returned to Jesus and reported about their spiritual victories. Jesus Christ was with them in His strength and power. But then He says something crucial: „However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. “ And that is all which counts in the end!

Not every act of service for our Lord Jesus will be visibly crowned with “success.” The Apostle Paul had to write to the Christians in Galatia (Galatians 4:11): „I am afraid for you, that somehow, it looks like I have wasted my efforts on you." It can be discouraging when you pray, profess your faith in Jesus, and serve your fellow human beings in love — and yet still face rejection.

Jesus directs his disciples’ gaze toward joy. Whoever belongs to him will live with him for eternity. His name is known in heaven. That is truly a cause for great joy! 

I am continually encouraged by the story of the elderly Simeon (Gospel of Luke 2:22 ff.). For him, it is all about joy. Simeon was waiting for the Messiah. God had promised him through the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death. And one day, the time finally came for the elderly man. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to dedicate their child to God. The elderly Simeon was also in the temple at that hour (verse 29). Then Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God: 

‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’

Can you imagine the joy that filled Simeon? His eyes must have shone! Simeon is experiencing the climax of his earthly life. He is holding Jesus, the Messiah, in his arms. How happy Simeon must have been. Now he, too, is ready for heaven. His name is known there as well — etched indelibly, not with ink, but with love.

The little Jesus in Simeon’s arms became Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord of all. He holds everything in His hands, including your life. He knows your name, your story, your past, and your present. If you know and love HIS name, you, too, are written in the Book of Life. Not as a marginal note, but as on a certificate — like a birth certificate for eternal life with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. I look forward to seeing you again at the next short sermon on August 1. 

This text was translated using DeepL, edited by R. Jordan