23 August 2024 Rhapsody of Realities Devotional Guide
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DEVOTIONAL FOR 23RD AUGUST 2024 BY PASTOR CHRIS
TODAY’S TOPIC: DOMINION OVER SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS
SCRIPTURE: 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 16:18).
23 August 2024 Rhapsody of Realities Devotional Guide
Observe that the Lord Jesus, in the opening text, listed the attesting signs that’ll accompany those who believe. He said they “shall take up serpents.” What does it mean to take up “serpents”? Was Jesus talking in literal terms or metaphorically?
The truth is, the phrase can be interpreted both ways. In its literal interpretation, it refers to the ability to handle physical serpents without harm, as demonstrated by Paul in Acts 28. Then, in Matthew 12:34, Jesus confronted certain people, whom He called “a generation of vipers,” indicating their deceitful and malicious nature: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for
out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
In another instance, He condemned the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees and likened them to “serpents.” He said, “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell” (Matthew 23:33).
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!
CONFESSION: 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!
FURTHER STUDY: Luke 10:19 NIV; Matthew 12:34 AMPC; Mark 16:17-18 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 8 & Psalms 120-127
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 2:1-7 & Jeremiah 8
