Tag: to all creatures
These signs will follow!
Scripture reading for October 18th: Mark 14-16
Mark’s Gospel told of Jesus Christ healing, casting out demons and preaching the Gospel to His own people. Jesus particularly sought out those who were lost and willing to listen. He gathered disciples who would be willing to leave all, follow Him and learn His ways. After sending them out, He would evaluate their work and encourage or correct them.
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” …”Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:15-18, 20.
This Gospel’s closing words are a call to Jesus’ followers to continue the work of God. They were to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit who would give them the power that was needed to be His witnesses. (Acts 1:8) Then they were to go and preach. As they preached, they were to act under the authority of the name of Jesus Christ. In His name supernatural signs would accompany the preaching of the Word. Demons would be cast out and sick people would be healed. People would be baptized in the Holy Spirit and would speak with new tongues. The disciples would have supernatural protection from attacks of venomous snakes or people trying to poison them.
These first disciples obeyed by going out into all the world preaching the Gospel. As they prayed for the sick and demon possessed, the promised signs of Christ followed their ministry! If you are seeking miracles, signs and wonders, the best place to find them is when you obey God’s command to go and preach! Are you willing to act in faith and experience the supernatural following your preaching and prayer? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!