The Kingdom of Heaven Suffers Violence
"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).
These words of Jesus in the book of Matthew have intrigued, disrupted, and inspired me. I happen to be writing this blog while seeing an image of Christ on the cross -- an image that confronts us with the violence done to Jesus. I shudder when I will myself to gaze upon the beating, mocking, and grisly death by crucifixion. Jesus surely suffered violence on Good Friday, but I don't think it is what He is talking about in this passage.
Jesus is not referring to a physical violence, but in my opinion, I believe He’s highlighting an interior spiritual "violence" characterized by radical obedience and love for God. What is meant by the word violence? Violence is a force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. Radical abandonment to God is spiritual "violence" that thoroughly disrupts and destroys worldly pursuits and mindsets. It violently confronts (damages, kills...) our sinful desires, pride, and selfishness.
It also violently reorders our priorities, including the way we pursue comfort, honor, and success; the way we spend our time, money, and energy; and the way we express our sexuality. Spiritual violence is a force of holy intensity focused on pursuing and loving God and people. It speaks of being motivated by love and declaring war on our sin, selfishness, and tendency to compromise. It says "no" to anything that may hinder love for God and others, seeking to be wholly dedicated to the kingdom of God.
It seems to be more rare that I encounter believers who are marked by this level of obedience and passion. Most people I encounter are stubbornly committed to keeping their relationships distant and comfortable. Rocking the boat is avoided whenever possible. Is drifting on a sea of glass a noble pursuit?
"You are the salt of the earth." Are your relationships bland (boring)? When is the last time someone "seasoned" you with truth about your dignity? I'm not talking about affirmation, but words that call out your gifts and worth. You are a liberated son or daughter called to participate in an end-times mission of deeply touching people with the strength of God's love. Or how about the last time someone talked to you about your depravity? Not to guilt you, but to open the door to the stunning grace and love that empowers you to move in a different direction. Not because you should, but because you really want to. Do you offer this "seasoning" in your spheres of influence?
I want to be around people like this. Lord, raise up the "John the Baptist's" of this generation. Give your people the grace to allow the kingdom of heaven to suffer violence in our personal lives. Awaken us to the hour we live in and give us a spirit of sobriety as many are being deceived and led astray.
In my work with people as a counselor, it is exciting to see the love and power of God set people free from fears, hopelessness, addictions, and relational problems. But what moves my heart even more is when these people deepen in their love and loyalty to God in ways that compel them to give what they have received. The Good News advances.
As you read this today, I want you to consider how you may spur another on toward love and good deeds. Don't give up having life changing conversations with people, as some are in the habit of doing, but continue to encourage others -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).
If you are paying attention, you are aware a storm is rising in the distance and the Day is quickly approaching. May the Lord encourage (spur) you this day to love Him and others. What else is worth giving your life to?
In the spirit of John the Baptist,
Kraig Skistad
"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).
These words of Jesus in the book of Matthew have intrigued, disrupted, and inspired me. I happen to be writing this blog while seeing an image of Christ on the cross -- an image that confronts us with the violence done to Jesus. I shudder when I will myself to gaze upon the beating, mocking, and grisly death by crucifixion. Jesus surely suffered violence on Good Friday, but I don't think it is what He is talking about in this passage.
Jesus is not referring to a physical violence, but in my opinion, I believe He’s highlighting an interior spiritual "violence" characterized by radical obedience and love for God. What is meant by the word violence? Violence is a force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. Radical abandonment to God is spiritual "violence" that thoroughly disrupts and destroys worldly pursuits and mindsets. It violently confronts (damages, kills...) our sinful desires, pride, and selfishness.
It also violently reorders our priorities, including the way we pursue comfort, honor, and success; the way we spend our time, money, and energy; and the way we express our sexuality. Spiritual violence is a force of holy intensity focused on pursuing and loving God and people. It speaks of being motivated by love and declaring war on our sin, selfishness, and tendency to compromise. It says "no" to anything that may hinder love for God and others, seeking to be wholly dedicated to the kingdom of God.
It seems to be more rare that I encounter believers who are marked by this level of obedience and passion. Most people I encounter are stubbornly committed to keeping their relationships distant and comfortable. Rocking the boat is avoided whenever possible. Is drifting on a sea of glass a noble pursuit?
"You are the salt of the earth." Are your relationships bland (boring)? When is the last time someone "seasoned" you with truth about your dignity? I'm not talking about affirmation, but words that call out your gifts and worth. You are a liberated son or daughter called to participate in an end-times mission of deeply touching people with the strength of God's love. Or how about the last time someone talked to you about your depravity? Not to guilt you, but to open the door to the stunning grace and love that empowers you to move in a different direction. Not because you should, but because you really want to. Do you offer this "seasoning" in your spheres of influence?
I want to be around people like this. Lord, raise up the "John the Baptist's" of this generation. Give your people the grace to allow the kingdom of heaven to suffer violence in our personal lives. Awaken us to the hour we live in and give us a spirit of sobriety as many are being deceived and led astray.
In my work with people as a counselor, it is exciting to see the love and power of God set people free from fears, hopelessness, addictions, and relational problems. But what moves my heart even more is when these people deepen in their love and loyalty to God in ways that compel them to give what they have received. The Good News advances.
As you read this today, I want you to consider how you may spur another on toward love and good deeds. Don't give up having life changing conversations with people, as some are in the habit of doing, but continue to encourage others -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).
If you are paying attention, you are aware a storm is rising in the distance and the Day is quickly approaching. May the Lord encourage (spur) you this day to love Him and others. What else is worth giving your life to?
In the spirit of John the Baptist,
Kraig Skistad