Day Sixty-Nine
“POWER! For Signs that Accompany the Saints”
“And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick; and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-18 Amp
To some religious scholars, Mark 16:9-20 is a highly contested part of Scripture. Some Bibles indicate that it is not contained in the earliest manuscripts. That in itself is a provocative discussion (but not one for here). Much of that contention is rooted in the Alexandrian versus Textus Recepticus discussion (btw Chuck Missler has an amazing teaching on Mark 16 and this debate –highly technical in math J).
I myself believe that the reason for the whole debate stems from the explicit power legacy that has been left to believers in Jesus Christ within these passages – especially those quoted above.
It is no surprise that the enemy seeks to discredit this passage through “doctrinal debate” over whether these passages are valid. He uses this same tactic to declare that Holy Spirit Baptism is not available for today. The enemy will readily use a bogus rendering of Scripture (along doctrinal lines) and even the servants of God to discredit dangerous power passages. Here is why….
Mark 16:17-18 specifies seven “wills”, observances, or signs which “will accompany” those who believe [in the name of Jesus].” If you understand the basis for the Word of God, then you know that being written as they are, these Scriptures establish not only the Lord’s will for a situation, but they are themselves a source of power, an equipping, or empowerment for believers to draw from. “Lord – you’ve said it – let it be done so in and through me….”
So… where the word of God stipulates behaviors of the believer as in this passage – WE SHOULD EXPECT TO ACTUALLY DO SO! To wit: followers of Jesus should believe, expect, pursue, and demonstrate:
– attesting signs
– driving out demons
– speaking in new tongues
– picking up serpents
– being free from the effects of poison
– laying hands on the sick
– the sick getting well
Now, just for the fun of it – let’s contemplate the Mark 16:17-18 Scripture through the light of Mark 11:22-24. The freedom released for believers to operate under these terms and the leading of the Holy Spirit is phenomenal! I really recommend that beyond just reading these two passages, you actually meditate on them, and let the Lord ignite their truth within you!
Mark 11:22-24 is as follows:
“And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly]. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! And does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you and you will [get it].”
By virtue of saying, “Have faith in God” – Jesus has released the power for the saints to actually do so. As we speak to situations and conditions, and “mountains” of obstacles – and believe what we say – it will take place. Is there a caveat here? Yes – I have to be steady state in my faith in God – and I must have faith that what I am saying is agreeable to God. That is where doubt cannot move me! Trying to speak/pray/prophecy means as a given that I am operating in agreement with the will and the word of God – not as some loose cannon going off on my own.
What then keeps me “in the mind of Christ” or in parity with what I can believe the Lord wants — with His will? LOVE! Specifically, the Agape love of God! We let the love of Christ urge, control, and impel us (2Cor 5:14). The King James uses “constrain” us. As we fill up as intercessors with the love that Jesus has for an individual, or situation, and His love is free to regulate us (by an active ongoing choice of our will holding us with Christ), then we will be fitted with perfection to do what Mark 16:17-18 specifies, according to the standards of Mark 11:22-24.
This is the very power of God being displayed in demonstration that Paul the Apostle walked in (2Cor 2:4-5, 9, 12, 2Cor 4:19-20). It is signs and wonders from God bringing validation to the words that are spoken in His name, with His heart, according to His authority and power. This is the very place believers of today are being drawn, but are reluctant to go. We stay like ships tied to the dock, never venturing out, afraid to be wrong. This pleases the enemy greatly! He has succeeded in neutralizing us without firing a round!
What then is the safeguard against being wrong? Against either being sidelined or misled by the enemy? Have faith in God [constantly]! Wait on the Lord. Be in His Presence. Know His voice. Trust and obey. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Know that it is not by your might and power, but by the Spirit – that great things are done. Saints – it’s time to let faith in God arise in us, and do the exploits He is calling us to – under His Influence, for His Glory! (I am obviously preaching first to myself here!)
Insolomonsporch's Blog 