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The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 5:17-26

2nd Week of Advent

“The Son of Man has authority on earth.” (Luke 5:24)

We don’t have to wonder what Jesus was trying to say to the people who witnessed his healing and for­giveness of the man lowered through the roof. He made it perfectly clear: he is someone with authority.

Jesus has authority over sin. Who can forgive sins but God alone? Of course, no one else can. That’s why it shocked everyone within earshot when Jesus told the man: “Your sins are forgiven.” In this passage, Jesus shows us that he has the power to remove the stain of sin and make us right before God. Not only does he wipe the slate clean; he can set us free from sinful habits that continue to trip us up—patterns like mood­iness or a sharp tongue. He can break the power of guilt and shame over our past so that we can see how bright a future he has in store for us. All this because Jesus took our sin and disarmed it, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:14-15). Now that’s authority!

Jesus has authority over sickness. When some Pharisees objected to Jesus’ statement of forgiveness, he proved his authority by healing the man as well. If he could restore atro­phied muscles and reknit weakened bones with just a word, surely he could remove sin as well! You may know someone who has been healed through prayer, whether it was at a healing Mass, at a prayer meeting, or in some other venue. Some of these healings are dramatic, like cancer remission, and some are more modest, like relief from a headache! But no matter how big or small, there are people around us who can testify that Jesus is still in the business of healing.

Jesus doesn’t exercise his author­ity like a tyrant. He isn’t motivated by greed or a lust for power. No, he is a wise ruler, a just king, a merci­ful sovereign. We have nothing to fear from him. There is no need to avoid him or try to set ourselves up as a rival to his throne. In fact, com­ing under his authority is the most sensible thing we could do. Who else can forgive our sins and heal our hearts?

“Lord Jesus, I believe that you are Lord and God. Come and reign over me; I want to spend my days in the shelter of your authority.”

Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9-14


25 posted on 12/10/2012 4:02:50 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 
Marriage = One Man and One Woman
Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for December 10, 2012:

Sit down with your spouse and look at some of your favorite photos from the past year. Was there an unexpected blessing? Give thanks.  


26 posted on 12/10/2012 4:13:13 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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