Strong Words

We are advised to use strong passwords for our internet sites.  I believe strong words are a key to writing.  Strong words are packed with a visual, mental and emotional punch.

The Gospeler, Luke, uses muscular words in last Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 5:31-44.  Jesus was in Capernaum teaching in the synagogue on a Sabbath Saturday.  People were astonished.  His word possessed authority.  Then Luke shares some examples.  A man possessed of an unclean spirit confronted Jesus while he taught.  Luke tells us “Jesus rebuked him.”  Later Jesus rebuked a fever in Simon’s mother-in-law and several more demons ordering them to stop.  He would not argue with them nor accept their testimony as to who he was.

Rebuke means more than to condemn and censure, but to halt further action.  Based on Jesus powerful word, the demons were forced out.  The fever in Simon’s mother-in-law left her.

Jesus would not allow anyone to control him.  When the people wanted to stop him from leaving, he asserted, “I have to preach the good news of God’s kingdom to other cities.”  For he was, as the angel told the shepherds, “Your Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.”

Strong words.