Mark 16:17-18
“And those who believe shall use my
authority to cast out demons, and they shall speak new languages. They
will be able even to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink
anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them; and they will be able to place
their hands on the sick and heal them.”
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
It
seems that much of the world is presently in a tizzy over the Ebola
virus. And yes, those who are directly involved with people who have
come in contact with this potentially deadly illness – or who have been
to countries where the sickness is prevalent – should be cautious and
concerned. But those of us who live hours and days away from this
contagion truly have little to nothing to fear. Moreover, we should be
thankful that there are medical personnel who are specifically trained
to treat those with this virus, which will help to contain it and
prevent further spread, while aiding those who are infected.
Here’s
how I see this...Jesus told us over and again in Scripture that He came
to earth, suffered, bled and died, so that we might live!
Through His sacrifices, God has granted us not only the assurance of
safety and security, but also the wisdom to know how to survive! So
when this passage talks of “handling snakes” and “drinking
poison”...don’t take this so literally. The “snakes and poisons” of
life are all around us – physical dangers, relationship difficulties,
temptations, challenges, sins of all kinds – and yes, deadly viruses.
But we have the ultimate “Hazmat Suit” of all...the healing power Jesus
Christ!
Because of Jesus’s healing power, we don’t have to
operate in fear...about anything. And honestly, when you boil this all
down...that’s what is happening. “Fearmongering” is at an all-time high
these days...in current events, politics, and even the latest “health
news”. Just watch The Dr. Oz Show, and you will feel like you have failed your own body in more than a dozen ways with each episode!
We need to pull out our Bibles, find a quiet place to read and reflect, and CALM DOWN!!!
We need to call on the authority of Jesus to cast out these demons of
fear...to operate in the confidence of His healing power...and to lead
by example and “heal” others as we interact with them each day. This is
“Christian Discipleship 101”, people! Have you read The Book and taken
notes from the Teacher? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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