Bishop Keith Butler
Apr 9
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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 16:17-18)
Jesus said in His name we would facilitate demonstrations of supernatural ministry. But what does it mean to do these things in His name? The Greek word for name is onoma and means authority and character. To understand the power of the name of Jesus, we must ask, “What is Jesus’ character?” It is love. As believers, we are called to walk in the authority and character of Christ by displaying His love in every facet of our lives. His love working through us gives us access to His supernatural power.
The very nature of the acts describes in Mark 16:17-18 shows love. Jesus said, “In my name, they shall cast out devils.” Why? Because the person bound by a demonic spirit is hurting, is not fulfilling God’s plan for their lives, and is restrained from living in God’s peace. Love compels us to cast out devils.
The next thing listed in Mark 16 is: “they shall speak with new tongues.” We speak in tongues because love wants everyone to be unified and hear from God. Love shares what God is saying, and speaking in tongues is one way we speak God’s perfect will.
Following this, Jesus said, “They shall take up serpents.” In the middle of difficult moments and troublesome attacks, the love of Jesus serves as a shield, protecting believers from harm and guiding them safely as they do what God called them to do.
Following this, Jesus said, “if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.” Jesus protects His people from natural poisoning. He further keeps them from being poisoned by the malice and hatred of the world. Finally, Jesus said, “they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” The love of God within us wants freedom from pain and physical attacks on others.
Are you looking for opportunities to use signs and wonders to show God’s love to others? Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of ways you can display His love and power to others. Then listen and obey.