Serpents and scorpions

The authority to trample on serpents and scorpions belongs to the ministry of Elijah. Granting this ministry to the seventy‑two, Jesus said, ‘Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’ Luk 10:19‑20.

Serpents and scorpions refer to demonic and familiar spirits within families that control the agenda of the household. Num 33:55-56. It is evident that these influences are present when a person gets angry, reactive, or withdraws from the messenger as the word is being ministered to a house. They are unable to hear and meet the word of their name which calls them to stand on their feet.

Characteristically, a household that is beset by serpents and scorpions is unable to fellowship from house to house with open communication. Pro 22:5. There are ‘no‑go’ matters that, if broached, provoke a prickly reaction.

In this regard, those who are beset by these oppressing spirits are like thorns. They cannot be entreated by the messengers who are proceeding from the hand of Christ. Eze 2:6. King David noted this implication of those who resist the word, saying, ‘But the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands. But the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.’ 2Sa 23:6‑7. The influence of serpents and scorpions, rendering a hearer as ‘thorny’, chokes the messenger word so that the household is unable to the bear the fruits of the Spirit, which are life and peace.

Thankfully, the Lord has given His messengers the authority to trample serpents and scorpions underfoot. In order to trample them underfoot, messengers must make sure that their feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Eph 6:14-15.