DCLM Daily Manna Monday, August 15, 2022
TOPIC: Signs Following Christ’s Followers
TEXT: MARK 16:14-20
KEY VERSE: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (MARK 16:17, 18).
Late Jamie Coots, the pastor of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name in Middlesboro, Kentucky USA, was handling a rattlesnake during a service when he was bitten on his right hand. He refused medical care because he believed that God called upon him to handle venomous serpents and to drink other poisons without being harmed. While the Scripture encourages intelligent and Spirit-guided faith, it does not support presumptuous actions.
In our passage today, Jesus categorically commanded His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature – the religious, atheists, unconverted youths and even children. He promised to protect them from harm as they go about preaching the gospel. In obedience to His instructions, they went everywhere preaching and signs followed them.
Jesus promised to be with His disciples because He knew that Satan would want to hinder them from carrying out His instructions. The story of Jesus and the cross is the message that the believer should preach and expect the signs to follow their obedience (Acts 28:1-5).
It is not faith but presumption to deliberately expose ourselves and other people to extreme danger. Miracles are not for show. Believers must show proper decorum and make wise decisions when they face life-threatening situations while doing the Master’s bidding.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The essence of faith is to turn sinners into saints through the gospel.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 22-25
