DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SEIZE THE KINGDOM

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – SEIZE THE KINGDOM

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

This is a verse that really makes you think.  What was Jesus talking about when he said that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force?  Is it referring to the battle between the evil forces that want to destroy the kingdom of heaven?  Or is it how people attain the kingdom?

I rather think it is the latter.  The root meaning of the word violence in the Greek in the passive tense is "to be seized."  Strong's Concordance says of this verse:  "a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought for with the most ardent zeal and intense exertion."  In other words, the kingdom of heaven is attained by active, intentional effort.  It does not just happen with a lack-a-daisical approach.  You don't just float into the kingdom.

John the Baptist demonstrated this.  He did not just sit at home watching the world go by.  He sought the kingdom of God with intense effort and passion.  It cost him some of the creature comforts we so much enjoy.

How many Christians just float along, soaking up the blessings of their salvation, not really involved or dedicated to the mission of the Kingdom.  They are apathetic and lethargic when it comes to seeing the Kingdom of Christ growing and being effective in ministering to a world that is going to hell.  If it might cost them some money or time or effort, they avoid it like the plague.

Our Christian calling is not fulfilled by laying in the hammock day after day.  It is by seizing every opportunity to see Christ's kingdom come, just as the Lord taught us to pray – "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

May we keep an ardent passion to see His will be done here on earth, because those who seize the kingdom do so by intentional effort.

Love, Dad