Scripture Reading
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 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.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Insight on the Word
Signs follow “them that believe,” not them that doubt, disbelieve, constantly deny such possibility and use every excuse of unbelief to evade doing these things. This passage means literally what it says: “even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). This being said it does not mean that one cannot be saved or get other benefits from God if he cannot do these things; nor does it mean that one is an unbeliever in salvation. It simply means that he has not attained to faith sufficient to appropriate these benefits.
Faith is the key to seeing signs follow the Gospel. What signs? Many, but five are listed here: 1) Casting out devils; 2) Speaking with new tongues; 3) Taking up serpents; 4) Immunity from poisons; and 5) Healing the sick.
One of the main purposes of signs are to confirm the Word of God. As believers we are not to seek signs for signs sake, but to speak the Word of God; and then with hearts of expectant faith, see signs manifest which confirm the Word spoken. In this way God receives the glory and His Word is magnified! Today speak the Word of God and have an expectant heart open to the signs of God… which are sure to follow!
Speak the Word — God confirms His Word with signs following! (Mark 16:20)
Daily Bible Reading — Genesis 47 – 50