When you catch a revelation of Jesus’ resurrection in the Word you become a witness of His resurrection. Witnesses are proof producers.
Stuck in unbelief
Mark 16:9-14 (KJV)
9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Let us establish what the unbelief of the apostles that had been with Jesus was. On the day of Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles were mourning and weeping because of the death of Jesus. Unbelief will keep you stuck in the past.
Mary Magdalene came to the apostles and told them she had seen the Lord alive. Their response in verse11 of the same chapter; ‘And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.’ What didn’t they believe? Number one, they did not believe that Jesus was alive; number two, they did not believe that Mary had seen him.
In verse 14, “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.”
Jesus reprimanded them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because ‘they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.’ Not believing the testimony of the witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not believing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
These signs shall follow them that believe
Mark 16:17-18 (KJV)
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 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.
Please note that the signs are to follow them that believe. Not believing in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus constitutes unbelief. Believing that Jesus is alive today, qualifies you as a proof producer.
When The Lord gave His disciples instructions to go into all the world and preach the gospel, they left in the consciousness of the resurrection of Christ. As a result, when they stepped out, the Bible says they preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following. He won’t work with the one who believes He is dead. Believing that He is alive is necessary under the new covenant for unleashing Jesus’ present ministering presence. When you go to all the world from His presence, His presence goes with you to confirm the word with signs.
The real issue
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Everything flows from a personal revelation of the resurrected Christ. Jesus is alive. The risen Lord wants to fix your lukewarm faith in His resurrection. When that is fixed, signs will begin to follow you.
Rule and Subdue!