For years, I read Mk.16 with great concern, since so rarely were my ministry efforts accompanied by anything spectacular. Vss 17,18 underscore that, "...these signs will follow those who believe, ...cast out demons, ...take up serpents, ...drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; ...lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Wow. Spectacular! (...Not exactly the norm for me.)

 

Heb 2:4 confirms with the same language but with this additionally clarification, "And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose."

 

Signs, wonders, miracles, gifts ...as He chose. Not saying each was always present. This is stating there was accompanying confirmation of some sort--something to signify, an indicator, a sign  --as He chose. So, ministry not necessarily accompanied by the miraculous, is not disqualified. Ministry not accompanied by the "spectacular" isn't necessarily of any less value to the Kingdom. However, there must still be some form of confirmation within hearts of those present--hearts "bearing witness". On road to Emmaus, there was no physical evidence during process but they recognized, "didn't our hearts burn within us!" (Lk.24:32) Interestingly, what marked them the most was NOT that Jesus vanished, because their immediate commentary was not "Wow, He just disappeared!" The confirming mark was an imprint left on their hearts!

 

This observation of the Apostles is recorded in Act 4:13, "...and they recognized that they had been with Jesus." May that recognition distinctly accompany every expression of Jesus that your life and my life offers! Selah. \o/