"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Matthew 11:1212And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:12) The Christian life is far from easy! It is uphill...against the current...opposed to the course of this world...in a word, upstream. Like the salmon combating...struggling...fighting...to make it to an inland destination. The characteristics of a clean fish under the Levitical order were that they were required to have scales and fins. Scales to protect from the elements and fins so that they could go against the stream.
This is really the practical application of the above verse of Scripture. While it is true that we are not encouraged to go out and conquer by the sword like Israel of the Old Testament, yet we are to be, "more than conquerors." Romans 8:3737Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37). Peter thought he ought to defend the Lord with his sword when the soldiers carne to take Him to trial. "Then said Jesus unto him, put up again thy sword..." Matthew 26:5252Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. (Matthew 26:52). The Lord also said to Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight." John 18:3636Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18:36).
Still, we are to "fight the good fight of faith." 1 Timothy 6:1212Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12). So, it is not physical violence that is referred to in our Scripture, but rather moral violence and spiritual energy. The Christian life is a battle. We are in an enemy's land, and a very powerful enemy at that. Satan and his emissaries are very real opponents. However, we have been divinely equipped to meet the foe and overcome in the power of the "Lord of Hosts." "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?" 1 Corinthians 9:77Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (1 Corinthians 9:7). We have the "whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:1111Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11).
The conflict is not going to end until we arrive home at the Father's house. We never want to assume, while here in this world, that we have fought all the battles, or think that conflict is behind us. May we seek grace and strength from above to meet the conflicts of life in His might. Paul had many battles and struggles, but he was reminded by the Lord Himself, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:99And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The kingdom, externally, is not yet; but the privileges of the kingdom are now the universal heritage of the family of faith. Let's "take it by force," and enjoy what is by right, morally ours, as being part of the "Kingdom of heaven." The King will soon reign in righteousness and peace and we will reign with Him.
Strong in might and power,
Fighting the good fight;
Not with swords and sabers,
But in Jesus' might.
Yes, He is our power,
All in Him possessed;
We can meet the enemy,
Overcome, and rest.