Matthew 11:12
NCV: Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength, and the people have been trying to take it by force. KJV: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Luke 16:16
NCV: The law of Moses and the writings of the prophets were preached until John came. Since then the Good News about the kingdom of God is being told, and everyone tries to enter it by force. KJV: The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. AMP: Until John came, there were the Law and the prophets; since then the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God is being preached, and every one strives violently to go in—would force his (own way, rather than God’s) way into it.
John the Baptist stirred people to repentance and prepared them to meet the coming Messiah. There might have been a big excitement among the people of Israel for the long awaiting Messiah. Everyone wanted to be part of the Messiah’s ruling kingdom on earth. Satan was shaken badly who knew that Jesus had the power to overthrow Satan’s kingdom of this world. Satan fought and there were wars in spiritual realm. The people of Israel thought that the Messiah would take over and rule over Roman Empire and the whole world. A few times people tried to take Jesus by force to become the King of Israel, but Jesus quietly escaped. It wasn’t the right time. He had to die on the cross to save us from hell. He arose and went to heaven. He is coming back again and that is when it is the right time to rule the world when men have already accepted Christ as their personal Savior in their hearts.
Let us believe that He is coming and we diligently seek Him. Let us be strong like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Let us take up His cross daily and follow Him. Let us be renewed with God’s Word. Let us grow in Him. I pray that we all stay close to Jesus and grow in Him in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, Each piece put on with prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger, Be never wanting there.
[George Duffield & George James Webb]
