How can believers today apply "they will pick up snakes" in their spiritual walk? Anchoring the Verse in Its Context “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” (Mark 16:17-18) Jesus spoke these words as part of His Great Commission. The promise of supernatural protection goes hand in hand with proclaiming the gospel to a hostile world. Historical Fulfillment in the Early Church • Acts 28:3-5 records Paul shaking a viper into the fire and suffering “no ill effects.” • This literal fulfillment shows the verse is not mere symbolism; God actually protected His servant while he was serving. • Luke 10:19 echoes the same authority: “I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.” What the Promise Teaches Us About God’s Protection • God preserves His messengers when danger threatens the spread of the gospel. • Protection is given while obeying, not while grand-standing. • Just as angels protected Daniel in the lions’ den and the Hebrew men in the furnace, believers can expect divine shielding when their obedience brings them into unavoidable peril. Identifying the “Snakes” in Today’s Walk Literal serpents are rare for most of us, yet the principle applies daily: • Spiritual adversaries—demonic forces that oppose righteousness (Ephesians 6:12). • Temptations that strike suddenly and inject destructive “venom” (James 1:14-15). • False teaching that slithers into churches (2 Peter 2:1). • Cultural hostility, intimidation, persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). • Paralyzing fears that stop believers from obeying Christ. Practical Ways to “Pick Up Snakes” Without Getting Bitten • Walk in obedience—share the gospel, disciple others, serve the needy; protection is for those on mission. • Speak the Word—Jesus repelled Satan with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10). Memorizing Scripture is spiritual antivenom. • Stand in Christ’s authority—declare the truth of Luke 10:19 when confronting demonic oppression. • Wear the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) every day. • Stay filled with the Spirit; He alerts us to unseen danger (John 16:13). • Remain in fellowship—believers help one another spot and remove “snakes” before they strike (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Trust, don’t test—step forward when God calls, but never stage dangerous stunts to “prove” faith (Matthew 4:7; 1 Corinthians 10:9). Faith or Foolishness? Guardrails Against Presumption • Protection promises are not invitations to handle venomous reptiles in worship services. • Jesus refused to jump from the temple roof; He honored His Father by rejecting a showy test. • Genuine faith acts boldly when necessary duty brings risk, yet refrains from reckless self-exposure. Living Daily Under the Lord’s Shield • Expect God’s covering as you obey; Psalm 91:13 validates it: “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” • Move into difficult spaces—broken communities, hostile workplaces, unreached regions—knowing Christ’s presence travels with you (Matthew 28:20). • When a “snake” strikes—an attack, a slander, a sudden crisis—shake it off like Paul, remembering that its poison cannot thwart God’s purpose for your life. • Let every deliverance become a testimony that points observers to the living Christ, just as Malta’s islanders turned from suspicion to wonder at Paul’s survival. Take the promise literally, apply it spiritually, and walk confidently. The Lord who conquered the serpent at Calvary guards His people until their mission is complete. |
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