May 31

Mark 16:9-20 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

"And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen." Mark 16:13-14

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:16-18

Observation

Jesus has risen from the dead and the news reaches the disciples but they do not believe. The disciples are in disbelief of Jesus' resurrection and Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith. Jesus later has to even demonstrate and show that it is indeed Him. Jesus ultimately gives the "Great Commission" to His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to make disciples of all people.

Application

It is too often that our weak faith is tested in our world. We are in constant need of "signs" and "answers" to prayers to see God and His great work. This passage is the ultimate reminder of the power that Faith brings: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” God is always reminding us of the power of faith and how we are empowered when we embrace it. I am once again reminded to take my daily life with this faith to not only rejoice in what Jesus has done, but this gives me the power to defeat the enemy.

Prayer

Lord, help me to have absolute faith in you and to embrace the gift you have empowered us with. I pray that I can make disciples of people as you have commanded with the faith that you desire of me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

--Steven K.