Today's Devotion: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Mk 16:17-18)

After the crucifixion, when Jesus appeared to the eleven, He spoke these words, telling them that God gives those who believe the power to heal and to do signs in His name.

Today's Comments: According to the New Bible Commentary, one should not expect all Christians to have this power of healing. But when we see it, we should accept these signs from the Kingdom of God gratefully. Remember, even the disciples at that time were skeptical, these words were given to them to encourage and exhort. So they are also for us. And when we see such works done in the name of Jesus in the world, we should rejoice and be comforted, because they remind us that the Kingdom of God is close at hand.