“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” Mark 16:17-18.
Jesus is not encouraging snake charming or drinking toxic elixirs! The promise of divine immunity from venomous snakes and deadly poisons refers to occasions when under persecution believers would be forced to do these things. The promise of protection from snakes and poison may also refer to unintentional contact — such as Paul’s experience at Malta (Acts 28:3-5).
Take what I call “The Fondue Episode” as an example! When Laurie and I were first married, we often had fondue for dinner. One particular night I had decided to do one of my super-scrubs on the fondue pot! I left it soaking with hot soapy water. Laurie thought I’d filled it up with the proper cooking oil and turned on the burner. It wasn’t until we’d finished dinner that we discovered we’d had a fondue dinner cooked in bubbling, soapy water! Never knew it!