SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2023
TEXT:
Matthew 11:11-15 (King James Version Holy Bible)
11.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a
greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom
of heaven is greater than he.
12.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth
violence, and the violent take it by force.
13.
For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14.
And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
TOPIC:
THE KINGDOM OF GOD SUFFERETH VIOLENCE
The
King James Version’s rendering of this passage is slightly different from
others like the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation
(NLT).
The
NIV and the NLT present the Kingdom of God as the subject, “forcefully
advancing” (v. 12), whereas the KJV presents the Kingdom of God as the object,
“Suffereth violence” (v. 12). Whichever is emphasized, one clear thing is that
there is contention and strive in relation to the advancement of the Kingdom of
God.
This
act began with John the Baptizer, the announcer of the New Covenant of Christ.
As the Church takes its own share of the aggression in Nigeria through Islamic
fundamentalism, we can be sure that what is happening is not new in Biblical
revelation.
In
the midst of it however, we have the promise of God through His Word that the
gates of Hades will not overcome the Church (Matthew 16:18). The import of this
is that, as the aggression increases so should mission.
Let
the doors of the Church be opened once again. The world is hungry for God and
His Word. The Church cannot be scared out of its mandate.
QUESTION:
Where lies your passion – saving the lost or saving your skin?
PRAYER:
Lord, smoke me out of my hiding place. Embolden me once again to the cause of
the gospel. Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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