Trample On Them – Rhapsody Of Realities TeeVo Devotional June 10th

(You Have Dominion Over Serpents)

TO THE BIBLE: MARK 16:18
“They will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

LET’S TALK
As Gideon and Khalil walked home from school, Gideon suddenly said, “What if I told you that if a snake tried to bite me, nothing would happen?”

Khalil gave him a sceptical look. “I’d say you’re crazy. A snake bite is no joke.”
Gideon grinned. “The Bible says Christians have dominion over serpents—both real and symbolic.”

Khalil thought for a moment. “You mean like when Jesus called people “vipers’ and when Paul got bitten but wasn’t harmed?”

“Exactly,” Gideon nodded. “Mark 16:18 literally says we will take up serpents. We have absolute dominion over them, however they come!”

Have you ever wondered what the Lord Jesus meant when He said those who believe in our opening text will “take up serpents”? (Mark 16:18). Was He speaking literally or figuratively?

Well, it can actually mean both! In a literal sense, we see an example in Acts 28 when Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but wasn’t harmed. But Jesus also used “serpents” metaphorically.

In Matthew 12:34, He called certain people “a generation of vipers” because of their deceitful and evil words. He did the same in Matthew 23:33, rebuking the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.

So, metaphorically, “serpents” can symbolise spiritual adversaries. However, irrespective of their form, whether physical or spiritual, “you can take up serpents” signifies your control and dominion over them.

Therefore, be it physical threats from venomous snakes, spiritual adversaries who oppose truth and righteousness, or the ones who concoct deceits, manipulations, lies, tricks, and schemes, you have authority and dominion over them all.

The Lord made a beautiful statement in Luke 10:19 (AMPC), saying, “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.”

He thus reiterates your blessed authority and dominion over “serpents and scorpions,” literal and metaphorical. Hallelujah!

Go Deeper:
Luke 10:19 NIV; Matthew 12:34 AMPC; Mark 16:17-18 AMPC

Speak:
Dear Father, thank you for the authority and power you’ve given me over all the works, tricks, schemes, manipulations and deceits of the enemy. I walk in confidence and boldness, knowing that nothing shall by any means hurt me as I stand firm in the truth of your Word. I’ve been vested with power and authority in heaven and in earth to subdue, dominate and take charge of my world. Hallelujah!

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Acts 1:1-26, 2 Chronicles 1-4
TWO YEAR
2 Corinthians 1:12-24, Ecclesiastes 11-12

Act:
Share this amazing message with someone today, a classmate, friend or a family member.