Bible Reading: Psalm 46, 47 & 48; Acts 28
“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 (KJV).
Christ gave his disciples the mandate to go and preach the gospel to all in the world. But He knows, judging from His own experience that without signs and wonders some will not believe (John 4:48). So He made a promise to all His disciples that signs and wonders will follow them, causing others to believe in the gospel.
Paul manifested signs in his ministry. Just like Daniel was thrown into a lions den and yet, the lions did not hurt him, Paul came into contact with a venomous snake, a viper, which fastened itself on his hand. He calmly shook off the snake into the fire and felt no harm. The people of the town upon seeing the snake on Him expected him to be swollen and dead in a matter of minutes. But after a great while nothing happened, and they concluded that “he was a god” (Acts 28:6).
Signs, wonders and miracles are essential in the Christian faith. They are needed to catch the attention of especially those who would not believe the word. Paul, now had the attention of the people following the snake incident. Publius, the chief official of the Island, who lodged them, has a father who was down with fever and dysentery. Paul prayed, laid his hand on him, and he was healed. Other sick too were brought to Him and He healed them all. Clearly, the people of the Island believed and honoured Paul and those with him as they left the Island.
God has not changed. Jesus word is still with us manifesting in signs and wonders and miracles by the power of the Holy Ghost. But these only accompany those who are on the go for Christ.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the power of the Holy Ghost at work in my life. As I go out today for Your Kingdom, let signs and wonders be made manifest wherever I go with your Word in Jesus name.