We watched a movie last night, called, “Southpaw”. It was written by Kurt Sutter. Here’s what he had to say about its origin.
I thought about my grandson, Shon Mondragon while watching this movie. Shon has many belts, and trophies, and has risen high in the ranks of boxing. He’s been on the cover of magazines, and mentioned in many newspaper articles for his abilities. The difference between Shon, and the actor in the movie, is this: EVERYTIME Shon has a fight, at the end…win or lose…he takes a knee, and publicly thanks God for being in his corner! We are so proud of his abilities…but most of all for his honor and respect to God Almighty!-anita
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The language in the movie, was over the top, but the longer I sat and watched it, I was reminded of the parallel between the physical fight on the screen, and the REAL spiritual fight of the Believer. There are some real practical lessons found in this movie for us that belong to the Kingdom of God! It’s uncanny!
In the movie, a boxer called Billy “The Great” Hope, rises to the top to become a champion. He lives in opulence, wants for nothing, and is famous world-wide. He becomes a bit cocky because of his fame, and ends up losing it all because he gives into the taunts by another boxer who wants Billy’s fame and title. Does this ring a bell with anyone? …No pun intended! Remember when Lucifer wanted God’s fame and title? This up and coming boxer is arrogant, and prideful. He even has King of Kings tattooed on his back! He is a counterfeit! This boxer only has power and greed in view. Billy has the heart! This is where I began to see the spiritual aspect of things. Everything below written in parentheses and italics, is what I personally gleaned from this movie.
One of Billy’s coaches said, “If you fight angry, (in your own might) it will drain you. You must protect yourself; use his (the devil’s) mistakes against him…not yourself! Be on the defense! To stop the punches with your face, is NOT defense.” (Put on the helmet of Salvation)
Before boxers step into the ring, they must do hours, days, weeks, sometimes years of preparation for just one fight! (Read your Bible and pray if you plan to be the victor!)
This same coach told Billy to never give up…”Keep it coming…TAP…TAP…TAP. Just jab until the opponent goes down!” (Keep giving blows to Satan and his kingdom. Never give up!)
When the devil says, “Can I talk to you?” Say, “NO!!” and walk away. You cannot negotiate with the enemy, and come out on top! He will step right over you after you fall! Sometimes, we think we can control our own destiny… we can’t- but God can, and does if we give our choice to Him!
In a physical fight, there are usually 12 rounds, a referee to keep the fight clean and fair, a coach for each boxer, and the people in each respective corner to care for each participant.
When you step into the ring with Satan…it can go for more than 12 rounds. God Almighty is the referee-the devil only has power to do what God allows him do…read the story of Job. When you feel pushed into the corner…up against the ropes with nowhere to go…God Himself steps in and makes the fight fair.
Jesus, in the spiritual fight, is our coach. He’s always in our corner, fixing our wounds, and giving encouragement to us to persist and endure! Know this: ALL of Heaven is behind you in your fight against Satan! They applaud and shout positive words of affirmation with each blow you give the enemy!
FINALLY!!! You are near the end of this fight…it is close. You are feeling good about your fight…then the devil whispers something, and anger kicks in…you start doing things in your own might…and you get a momentary beating. The round is over.
You are in your last round…late in the midnight hour, like the song goes. You’re tired, worn out and ready to quit. Then Jesus calls you to the corner. He speaks peace to you as you sit and rest for a moment. HE binds your wounds, and heals your weary mind. The fallen angels of Hell shriek and howl; but the angels of Heaven applaud you, and drown out their screams and accusations.
You’re on your feet once more…back in the ring, facing the opponent for the last round.
Then you hear Jesus whisper from the side-lines, “Now’s the time” (to deliver the final blow to the enemy.)…You hit him with an upper-cut…and BOOM! It’s over!!! YOU ARE THE CHAMPION!!!
When you come to a place in your life, and find it’s your turn to go toe to toe with the devil, have confidence that Jesus is in your corner…fighting FOR you…and WITH you!
Then…step into the ring, and PUNCH THE DEVIL’S LIGHTS OUT for the glory of God and His Kingdom!
By: Anita Mondragon February 14, 2016