These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages Mark 16:17 WEB

Through the power of God and his Holy Spirit, signs and wonders accompany those who believe in Christ. Here, in chapter sixteen of Mark’s gospel, Jesus gives two examples of signs that accompany those who believe. First, Jesus mentions casting out demons. Second, the Lord gives a prophecy of his faithful speaking with new languages. Additional scriptures support the occurrence of these signs. 

Chapter six of Mark’s gospel records the first example of Jesus sending those who believe in him to minister among the people. Before Christ sent the twelve out, he gave them instructions for how to respond to those who accept and reject them. Mark 6:12-13 says of this journey, “They went out and preached that people should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them. WEB”

In the Name of Jesus

In Luke’s gospel account, Jesus sends out seventy two of his followers along the route Christ himself planned to travel later. Jesus said to his faithful in Luke 10:3, “Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. WEB” Upon their return, Luke 10:17 records their report to the Lord saying, “The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ WEB”

The Book of Acts records the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophetic words concerning his followers speaking new languages. We read in Acts 2:4, “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. WEB” Guided by the Holy Spirit, those who believe in Christ transcend the physical limits of the material world by the power of almighty God. As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. WEB”

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Promise of the Spirit