Christian Living
In Mark 16, Jesus lists 5 signs that will follow those who believe in His name.
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Mark 16:17-18 NKJV
In His name;
1. They will cast out demons
2. They will speak with new tongues
3. They will take up serpents (face the devil and his cohorts). They will be able to handle snakes with safety.
4. They will be unhurt if they drink anything deadly or poisonous
5. They will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover
These signs are are to serve as supernatural indicators or proofs for all those who believe and become water baptized in the name of Jesus.
What is a Sign?
A sign is an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else.
Therefore a sign is usually indicative of something and is often looked out for. For example, a rainbow may indicate changes in season, a thunder may signal a coming storm.
I believe that the ‘signs’ of Mark 16:17-18, are indicative of the resident anointing by the Holy Spirit, the power of God in a believer.
From what we read, Mark 16:17-18 signs are not exclusive to a specific group of believers, they are not only for the Pastors, Evangelists, etc. No, every believer should expect to manifest these signs.
A lot of believers function freely in signs #1-3; they are quick to cast away demons, speak with new tongues, and face the devil to the best of their understanding.
However, a lot more believers shy away from signs #4&5; of laying hands on the sick to recover and of not being frightened or alarmed by harmful substances ingested mistakenly.
Why is this so?
If believers are to lay hands on the sick to recover, then there is healing power in a believers hand (when used with the authority in the name of Jesus).
Don’t misunderstand this, the human hand functions mainly in the movement of the upperlimb. We generally subsconsciously move our hands several times a day to get things done. In that state the hand demonstrates no supernatural function. However, when used as commanded by Jesus- (with faith in the authority in His name), the hand more like serves as a conduit for transmitting God’s power.
Healings and impartations can take place by the laying on of hands (Mark 16:17-18, 1 Timothy 4:14, Acts 6:2-7, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Acts 9:17).
“Jesus was not able to do any miracles there except the healing of some sick people by laying his hands on them.“
Mark 6:5 ERV
“And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”
Luke 13:13 NKJV
“Remember to use the gift you have, which was given to you through a prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you.”
1 Timothy 4:14 ERV
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV
Are you a believer? Then there’s healing in your hands.
How best to prove this release of power except by acting on it! Have you had a pain or headache before? Did you look out for the healing power in your hands? Did you trust the power of the Holy Spirit and the name of Jesus enough to lay your hands on the ailing part?
Next time, a headache throbs, why not lay your hands on your own head? Lay your hands on your head and speak the healing Word of God over yourself. If it doesn’t work the first time, do it again, and again. Because the Word of God True. God cannot lie.
Your confidence and boldness to minister healing to others will increase when you establish it to yourself.
There is healing in your hands, for you and for others.
