confrontations
"Get up and stand here in front." —Luke 6:8
Although Jesus is "gentle and humble of heart" (Mt 11:29), He boldly confronted the religious leaders of His time. The scribes and Pharisees were furious because Jesus healed on the sabbath. Jesus could have healed on another day or in an inconspicuous way. Instead He commanded the man with the withered hand to stand up in front of everyone, and then healed him (Lk 6:10). The religious leaders reacted to this confrontation with frenzied plots against Jesus (Lk 6:11).
Like Jesus, Paul strongly confronted the man guilty of "living with his father's wife" (1 Cor 5:1). Paul announced: "I hand him over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord" (1 Cor 5:5). We also are called to boldly confront sin, both in ourselves and in others. After cleansing our own temples (Lk 19:45), we must unequivocally call sin "sin," and hate sin, while loving sinners. Confront Satan, self, and sin.
Prayer: Jesus, may I not let anything intimidate me (Mt 10:26). Give me holy boldness.
Promise: "Christ our Passover has been sacrificed. Let us celebrate the feast not with the old yeast, that of corruption and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." —1 Cor 5:7-8
Praise: Patricia, a well-known actress on a popular TV show, isn't afraid to go against what is popular and speaks openly for life.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet on Spiritual Warfare or on audio AV 57-3 or video V-57.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006
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