How to seize the kingdom of God by force.

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force." (Matthew 11: 12).

Thursday 10th December 2020, 2nd Week of Advent.

In the Gospel for today (Matthew 11: 11 - 15), Jesus praised His cousin John as the greatest prophet. No surprise when you line up all the prophets along with their profiles. From the prophecy of the birth of John to his naming and dedication, there were many supernatural signs. His lifestyle and ministry were extraordinary.

After praising John the Baptist, Jesus said something curious and difficult to understand: "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force." (Matthew 11: 12).

What does Jesus mean? The kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force?
First, we know that the Church is the seed of the kingdom of God on earth. We know that the Church suffers lots and lots of persecutions? But how are the violent taking the kingdom of God by force? The kingdom of God is the ultimate destination of all men. Men should set their hearts, minds and energy to reach it by all means. And people who understand this urgency are seizing the kingdom of God by force.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world (kingdom of man) which is temporary and limited and misses the kingdom of God which is limitless and everlasting?

John the Baptist left us an example of how to take the kingdom of God by force: Singleness of purpose, tremendous courage, radical evangelical poverty, humility and martyrdom.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com