Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
I’ve got a lot going on in my noggin this morning. I’m trying not to berate myself for things I left undone for others (a simple oversight, but it’s hard for me to let go of blame), and I truly do not understand today’s verses in light of what I know of church and religion. (Driving out demons? Speaking in tongues? Picking up snakes? Drinking deadly poison without being harmed? These are not things I have seen in my religious experience.)
Mark 16:18 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.”
So what can I take from these last four verses in a chapter where Jesus has risen from the grave and gone before the disciples–even though they let Him down in the last hours of His life–to continue the Kingdom Work? Keep moving forward. Don’t get stuck in the blame game. Don’t get stuck in confusion. If you don’t understand, go with what you know. God is love. Jesus is love. Love wins. Keep loving. Keep moving forward.
Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
Precious Savior, I am a perfectionist at heart. So when I forget things that are almost ingrained at this point, I get angry with myself. When I don’t understand Your word, I’m tempted to throw my hands up and walk away. Help me to pause, to breathe, to praise Your name, to keep moving forward in You. Amen.
Mark 16:20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Have a blessed day.