Forced Entry

July 17

(Luke 16:16 NIV) “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.”

(Matthew 11:12 NIV) “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.”

(Luke 13:22-28 NIV) ““Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. {23} Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, {24} "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. {25} Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' {26} "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' {27} "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' {28} "There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.””

God’s Kingdom cannot be taken by force. When closed, its narrow gate is impenetrable. Today’s verse could be translated, “Everyone uses violence toward the kingdom of God”, or “Everyone is trying violently to take the Kingdom by force”. God’s Kingdom has both a future and a present aspect. Christ the King is coming, but He is also here now. He lives in those who have received Him. The Kingdom is present. As we preach the gospel and represent His Kingdom, people will use violent means to stop us, just as they did with Jesus. The blood of the martyrs attests to this. They will try to take the Kingdom by force, or “force their way into it”. They want Christ’s Kingdom, but they do not want Christ as their King. God’s Kingdom cannot be taken by force. There are no shortcuts or alternate routes. There is only one way in. His name is Jesus. He is Lord and King. Bow down before Him. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day