THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY / MARK 16:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Activated Authority: The Supernatural Signature of True Belief

When we read the closing chapters of the Gospels, we often focus on the commands of the Great Commission: go, preach, and baptize. But in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus includes a striking promise that follows the command. He doesn’t just send His followers out empty-handed; He sends them out with a divine seal of authenticity.

In Mark 16:17, Jesus declares:

“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.”

The Greek word used for “signs” in this passage refers to a signature or seal applied to a document to guarantee its authenticity. It is the ultimate proof that the message is the real deal. Jesus was promising that God’s supernatural signature would follow the preaching of the Gospel, validating that His people were sent by Heaven itself.

The Order of the Kingdom: Signs Follow, You Lead

One of the most important takeaways from this passage is the sequence. Jesus says these signs will accompany or follow those who believe.

Too often, people reverse this order. We chase after miracles, signs, and wonders, looking for the spectacular before we are willing to step out in faith. But biblical authority doesn’t work that way. Signs don’t lead believers; signs follow them.

When you behave according to what you believe, you create a runway for the Holy Spirit to move. Authority is activated in the stepping. The early disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them, confirming the message through the accompanying signs. If we want to see the power of God manifested in our lives, we have to start walking in obedience first.

Living with Spiritual Immunity and Power

The list of signs Jesus provides can confound modern readers: casting out demons, speaking in tongues, handling serpents, surviving poison, and healing the sick. While history and Scripture show these manifesting literally—such as the Apostle Paul being unaffected by a venomous viper in Acts 28—this passage ultimately points to a broader reality of spiritual authority and divine protection.

Authority Over Darkness: Believers are empowered to break demonic strongholds and bring freedom in Jesus’ name.
Supernatural Communication: The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to transcend human limitations to pray and proclaim God’s truth.
Spiritual Immunity: God protects His servants as they advance into hostile territory. The “snakes and poison” of life—the venomous words, systemic corruption, or sudden attacks of the enemy—cannot thwart God’s ultimate plan for your life.
Vessels of Healing: Laying hands on the sick is an invitation to bring comfort, restoration, and hope to a broken world.

Step Out in Confidence

You do not need to chase signs, and you do not need to fear the dark. If you are a believer, you carry the name of Jesus—the highest legal authority in heaven and on earth. As you go about your day, sharing His love and standing up for truth, expect God’s signature to move with you. Step out in faith, and let the signs follow.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe, and I embrace my place as a believer and a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Thank You for sealing my life with Your Holy Spirit and backing the message of the Gospel with Your supernatural signature.

Lord, give me the boldness to step out in obedience today. Help me to lead with faith so that Your power can follow. I thank You for the spiritual authority and protection You have given me in Jesus’ name. May Your healing power, freedom, and light break through every environment I walk into this week. Authenticate Your word through my life, and let Your glory be seen by the world.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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