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

In Luke 10, Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples to proclaim the inbreaking of God’s kingdom (vs 9, 11). Upon their return, they joyfully reported decisive victory over demonic powers, made possible because of Jesus’ authority (v 17). Jesus declared that their successes meant defeat for Satan (vs 18-19). While this was worth celebrating, he shifted their focus to something far more valuable: their “names are written in heaven.” Satan’s power could not remove their secure place before God! Jesus emphasized what was eternal. This was their mission: those who responded to the message of God’s kingdom, like them, would never be cut off from God.

As you read the Executive Leadership Team’s review of the year, you cannot miss how they too give priority to what lasts – young lives given the opportunities to hear and respond to the wonderful news of the gospel, even in this pandemic. In what they do, they are “looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Their desire, present and future, is to lead young people in this city of Singapore to the city God has prepared for them (Hebrews 11:16).