Bible Reading: Mark 16:15-18

INTRODUCTION

  Any ministry or life without signs and wonders will not arrest the attention of unbelievers. Jesus says: ”Without signs and wonders, these people would not believe.” This generation of vipers would not be attracted to our ministry if there is no difference between them and us. Signs and wonders make the ministry more pronounced and captivating. That is, the attention of sinners would be arrested and they would submit all that they think are ‘powers’ in their hands. It would confirm that Jesus is different from all other dead gods that they are serving to be alive. This generation is seeking signs and wonders. We demonstrate the miraculous for the glory of the living God not as entertainment. Every child of God should tap into this realm of grace to convince the dying world that Jesus is alive and not dead.

As we explore the theme: “ANOINTING WITH FRESH OIL,” we need to understand that sheep can get their head caught in briers and die trying to get untangled. There are horrid little flies that like to torment sheep by laying eggs in their nostrils which turn into worms and drive the sheep to beat their head against a rock, sometimes to death. Their ears and eyes are also susceptible to tormenting insects. So, the shepherd anoints their whole head with oil. When that is done, there is peace. That oil forms a barrier of protection against the evil that tries to destroy the sheep.