Recently we discussed the Great Commission, which was written in Mark, chapter 16. And although it was an awesome time to share that message with you all, I could not get into all the details of those verses. The time was focused on the importance of faith and baptism, as well as making sure new believers were aware of both unto salvation. This is what Jesus taught. And today we will focus more on what happens while in our service to God. It is written, “and he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 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 16:15-18) Wow! Did you hear that? Jesus said that those people who go out and preach the gospel around the world, even in our own country and state, will have the power of God in them. What power is that you may ask? It is the power to cast out demons and to speak in new tongues, along with much more. He said that poisonous serpents won’t harm us, and even poisonous drinks won’t harm us either. Being among the sick is what we are called to do as well, for we are to go to them and heal them in the name of Jesus. The Lord Jesus said that they would recover and I believe it.
So what about now in the coronavirus pandemic? In this time we live in, many people are scared to do ministry on the streets and in homes of people who are sick. They shy away from being around anyone who could be infected. However, did Jesus say that we should not visit people who are sick? No. Did he say stay off of the streets when there is a pandemic? No. In these times of fear, we put our trust in God, who is able to deliver us from sickness and death. Even David said the following, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” (Psalm 91:2,3) “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” (Psalm 91:5-7) Is your faith this strong? I know mine is. That is why I went to my sister’s house, of which she is very sick, and prayed for her to be healed. I was not scared of getting the coronavirus but knew that God would protect me. Through my faith and hers would she be healed. My friends, I believe what Jesus said and that He is able to protect us in these difficult times we live in, but only if we are in His service in the great commission. As believers in Christ, we are also His followers and disciples, and are willing to do what He says.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will take all our fear away. May we walk in faith and not worry about the times we are living in. You give us the strength we need when we seek You often throughout the day. Even our burdens are made light because You are with us. The coronavirus pandemic may be causing doubts to flow in people’s minds right now, but my mind is made clear through You. Thank You, Jesus. I don’t have to worry about getting infected while witnessing to people on the streets or visiting people who are sick in their homes. Their illnesses may be with them at the moment, but then soon cast out in prayer. Lord, I wish that more people in the faith would realize how powerful prayer really is. That if it is Your will, many people who are sick will soon recover. I know that this can happen, for what You said in scripture is still standing strong today. We are to go out in all the world and preach the gospel, and not fear those things which could take us down. For You will keep us upright until our work on earth is done. Yes, God, I believe that in the time of this pandemic and others in the future, we are to pray even more often throughout each day for Your strength. Even prayer and fasting, so that we can go out in the harvest and begin saving souls for Your kingdom. Thousands upon thousands of people, I believe can still be saved from the destructive path they are in right now. So help me be aware of the sick people around me, that I might visit them and bring Your power and healing into their homes. I pray for many more salvations, and complete healings in this time we live in, and the future. Set a fire in every person in the faith, that a revival will begin in their hearts. As for me, I will serve You until the end. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
