THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 16:15-20
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
The good news is NOT just about our being forgiven, it is about our being restored.
Restored as God’s image-bearers, ruling over all creation.
This is the good news that the creation itself longs to hear (Romans 8:19-22).
Everything that the serpent represents – sickness, suffering, bondage – is overturned.
I do not take these words literally – handling snakes or drinking poison.
I see them as tied to the good news for all creation, that Satan and his poison is defeated.
The woman’s seed has crushed the serpent’s head, and we represent Him (Genesis 3:15).
As Jesus’ followers, we take a stand against Satan’s poison, and Jesus helps us win.
When we speak and serve against sickness, suffering, injustice, etc., the serpent is crushed.
These words – whether original or not – are meant to bolster our confidence.
We can resist the devil, and he will flee from us (James 4:7).
Don’t let that serpent make you run; step into those situations of darkness with Jesus!
Grab that snake by the tail and tell him, ‘Jesus won, and I work with Him!’
Take a stand for hope, healing, justice and peace, and Jesus will confirm it for us (v.20)!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Satan still finds ways to discourage me. And then I hear these words, and I am motivated to resist Satan’s lies and represent Your victory! I step on that snake, in Jesus Name!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
A new way with Jesus. His physical presence was gone but e promised to be with them to the end. His disciples were to be on a saving mission – witnesses of His saving death and resurrection to proclaim the good news to the whole world – for all who will accept it.
All His children are called to be His ambassadors empowered by His Spirit. Working for the Lord. Empowered by His Spirit and witnessing signs of His presence with them. Where did I see Jesus this day?
Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follow’r of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?
Must I be carried to the skies
On flow’ry beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord;
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith’s discerning eye.
When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of vict’ry through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine.