Friday, 23rd August 2024
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:18)
Observe that the Lord Jesus, in the opening text, listed the attesting signs that’ll accompany those who believe. He said they “shall take up serpents.” What does it mean to take up “serpents”? Was Jesus talking in literal terms or metaphorically?
The truth is, the phrase can be interpreted both ways. In its literal interpretation, it refers to the ability to handle physical serpents without harm, as demonstrated by Paul in Acts 28. Then, in Matthew 12:34, Jesus confronted certain people, whom He called “a generation of vipers,” indicating their deceitful and malicious nature: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
In another instance, He condemned the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees and likened them to “serpents.” He said, “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell” (Matthew 23:33). So, metaphorically, “serpents” can symbolise spiritual adversaries. However, irrespective of their form, whether physical or spiritual, “you can take up serpents” signifies your control and dominion over them.
Therefore, be it physical threats from venomous snakes, spiritual adversaries who oppose truth and righteousness, or the ones who concoct deceits, manipulations, lies, tricks and schemes, you have authority and dominion over them all.
The Lord made a beautiful statement in Luke 10:19 (AMPC), saying, “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” He thus reiterates your blessed authority and dominion over “serpents and scorpions”, literal and metaphorical. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
Dear Father, thank you for the authority and power you’ve given me over all the works, tricks, schemes, manipulations and deceits of the enemy. I walk in confidence and boldness, knowing that nothing shall by any means hurt me as I stand firm in the truth of your Word. I’ve been vested with power and authority in heaven and in earth to subdue, dominate and take charge of my world. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 10:19 NIV
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Matthew 12:34 AMPC
You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.
Mark 16:17-18 AMPC
And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
1 Year Bible Reading Plan :
1 Corinthians 8 & Psalms 120-127
2 Year Bible Reading Plan :
Colossians 2:1-7 & Jeremiah 8
Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Hello Beloved.
Have a blessed today!
