by Janet Mushi | 17 October 2019 08:46 pm10
(Luke 10:18, NIV)
After Jesus commissioned seventy (or seventy-two) of His disciples to go ahead of Him into towns He planned to visit (Luke 10:1), He empowered them to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons in His name. They returned with joy, reporting that even demons submitted to them.
Yet what they saw on the ground was only part of the story. Jesus pulled back the curtain and revealed what had been happening in the spiritual realm:
Luke 10:17–19 (NIV)
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’
He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’”
The phrase “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” in verse 18 has deep eschatological and theological significance. The fall of Satan is multifaceted in Scripture:
Original Fall (Pride and Rebellion)
Satan, once a high-ranking angel (Lucifer), was cast out of heaven due to pride and the desire to exalt himself above God:
Isaiah 14:13–15 (NIV)
“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.'”
Fall During Jesus’ Ministry
In Luke 10, Jesus describes a contemporary fall—a fall that coincided with the disciples’ ministry. As they spread the gospel and exercised authority in Christ’s name, demonic strongholds were being dismantled. This was a real-time defeat of Satan’s influence.
Ultimate Defeat (Future Fall)
Satan will one day be completely cast down during the end times:
Revelation 12:9 (NIV)
“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
And ultimately, he will be judged and thrown into the lake of fire:
Revelation 20:10 (NIV)
“And the devil…was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur… and will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
So when Jesus said He saw Satan fall like lightning, He was declaring a spiritual victory—the direct result of the gospel being preached with authority.
Many believers think prayer alone is enough to push back the darkness—and while prayer is crucial, it must be paired with obedience to Christ’s mission.
In Luke 10, Jesus didn’t say, “I saw Satan fall like lightning” after a prayer session. He said it after the disciples had gone out to preach. Their action triggered spiritual collapse in Satan’s dominion.
Romans 10:14–15 (NIV)
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? … As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
The devil fears the preaching of the gospel more than anything else, because the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NIV).
Ephesians 6:13–15 (NIV)
“Therefore put on the full armor of God…
with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
The readiness to preach the gospel is listed as part of the armor of God. Sharing the gospel is not optional; it’s an offensive weapon against Satan’s kingdom.
Each time you share Christ, you push back darkness. Every soul saved is a territory reclaimed for the Kingdom of God.
Jesus said:
John 15:2 (NIV)
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit…”
If you have received salvation but refuse to share it—whether through fear, apathy, or selfishness—you are burying the gift of God (see Matthew 25:24–30).
God expects the gospel to multiply through you. If you remain silent while others perish, you hinder the advancement of the Kingdom and allow Satan to keep his grip on people.
You don’t need a pulpit. Wherever you are—
At work
At school
In your neighborhood
At home
Online
On the road
Use the gifts God has given you and the platforms He has opened to bring others to Christ.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season…”
We are living in a time of intense spiritual warfare. But the gospel remains the greatest weapon.
When we preach Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and coming again:
Satan falls.
Souls are saved.
Territories are transformed.
God is glorified.
Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV)
“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
May the fire of evangelism be rekindled in you.
May you rise up and declare the gospel without fear or shame.
May God use you to bring many from darkness into His marvelous light.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
— May the Lord bless you richly.
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