ESOCS Devotional 26 May 2022
TEXT: MARK 16:14-20
MEMORY VERSE: “Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues; if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands onsick people, and these will get well.” Mark 16:17-18 GNB
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
After the resurrection of Jesus, He made a very significant promise to the apostles and the church. However, thispromise came after He had severally rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart (Vs. 14). The apostles and all those who would believe will be empowered to perform great feats in His Name (vs. 17-18). They would dowonderful things in life and
ministry, as believers. Beginning with the word “go” in verse 15, and moving through the end of verse 18, Mark probably recorded the direct statements of Jesus.
Nonetheless, and as a foundational base for the coming forth of this divine grace, the apostles must “go.” Go where? Gointo all the world to spread the Good News to everyone, everywhere. The Gospel must be preached to everyone because all have sinned, and come short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:9, 10). Those who believe should be baptized. The understanding here is that those who believe will respond to God’s grace through the Cross of Christ. These willnecessarily be immersed in water for the washing away of their sins (Acts 2:8; Rom 6:3-6).
On the other hand, those who do not believe, will not respond by obedience to the Gospel. These will also not be saved. Because they are not saved due to unbelief, the authority of the believer is not extended to them. So, believe and be saved. Believe and be empowered. It is a free gift to all true sons and daughters of the Most High God. Jesus is Lordforever.
- In Acts 19:13-20, we see a clear case of those empowered by Christ (apostles) and those not so authorized (thesons of Sceva). Read and ponder over this.
- Holy Spirit Divine, please keep me on the right track, that the authority of Christ will ever remain present in my life.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 2:1-15, Ezekiel 10:1-23, Rev. 4: 1-11.
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ESOCS Devotional 26 May 2022
