Signs That Confirm!

This morning I felt led to read from the end of Mark's Gospel, and am reflecting on Jesus' last commission he gave to His followers - Mark 16:15-20 NIV:

[15] "He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [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.”

[19]" After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. [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."

I love the promises found in these few verses!  "These signs will accompany those who believe" (Verse 17):

1) Authority over demons
2) Speaking new tongues
3) Divine protection
4) Healing through the laying on of hands

I also love the way Mark closes his Gospel, "Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."(verse 20).  This is both a promise and our inheritance , the Lord will work with us and through us and confirm His word(s).  In other words, when we are preaching the Gospel, we are speaking His words.  This is why its so important to faithfully present the Gospel!

Mark says that the Lord confirmed His words through the signs that accompanied the proclaiming of His word.  Oh, that we would see that fully in our places of worship.  Mark did say earlier that these signs would accompany those who "believe", so maybe the lack of signs points to a lack of belief?

Lord, we pray for an increase of faith and belief in Your churches.  We pray that Your word might be faithfully proclaimed, and that You may confirm Your word!

Amen!