"Rejoice"

June 29, 2013

“Rejoice!”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Mark 16:17-18
Luke 10:17-20
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The Lord had sent His disciples out two-by-two.
They now returned.
They were rejoicing!
Why?

Because even the demons submitted to them in the name of Jesus.

Jesus acknowledged that He had seen Satan fall like lightning from heaven. An intriguing thing. Satan still has access to heaven...to Father. He accuses the Brethren. When the disciples went forth, Satan fell forth.

Jesus then gives them some insight.
He had given them authority to tread snakes/scorpions/full force of the enemy.
Nothing will hurt you.

We have the same authority.
Not authority to test or challenge the Lord.
Authority to fear not the attack of the enemies.
Authority to walk in victory.

The Mark reading is not a parallel passage, but does give insight to what the disciples experienced.
Many teach/preach that this Mark passage should be ignored.
Such is not the case.

The Lord has told us that signs will accompany those who believe.
In the name of the Lord they will…
  1. drive out demons
  2. speak in new languages
  3. pick up snake with their hands
  4. not be harmed by ingested poison
  5. place their hands on the sick...they will be well

This is not permission to “challenge” the Lord to prove faith.
We do not grab poisonous snakes to “prove faith.”
We do not drink poison to “prove faith.”

No doubt, the mercy of the Lord has been upon many who have done such in ignorance.

What does the Mark passage mean?

I believe the Word provides some insight.

Remember when Paul was shipwrecked?
He was gathering wood for a fire.
An asp (extremely poisonous snake) latched on to him.
Paul shook it off, none the worse.
The natives then began to listen to Paul. Happy

The drinking poison?
How many times have we eaten/drunk something that would be dangerous, yet the Lord protected?

We are blessed to be protected by the Lord in this manner.

But, even this is not what the Lord wanted them/us to rejoice in.
Rejoice that your names stand written in heaven.

Do likewise...if true.
Repent if not.