[Talking to the crowds about John the Baptist, Jesus continued:] "And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it."
—Matthew 11:12 NLT
The Kingdom of God is powerful. But it has been, and will continue to be, under the attack of violent people. Opposition to John is a great reminder of this truth. The power of his message, the power of God's truth, the power of proclaiming the nearness of the Kingdom led to conflict and death for John. Jesus warned his disciples that they would face similar challenges. But the Kingdom advanced and continues to do so because the power behind it is much stronger than the forces which oppose it. Jesus' warning is clear. If opponents of the Kingdom gave John a hard time because he spoke with power of the coming Kingdom, what do you think they will do to us who live in the power of the Kingdom? We, too, must realize that we have a war on our hands and, like John, proceed faithfully toward God's goal for us and not our own, realizing that if we are a part of God's Kingdom, we will be victorious.
Righteous and Almighty God, please give your servants boldness, courage, and conviction as we seek to share the word of your grace with those who are caught in darkness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 11:12 NLT
Key Thought
The Kingdom of God is powerful. But it has been, and will continue to be, under the attack of violent people. Opposition to John is a great reminder of this truth. The power of his message, the power of God's truth, the power of proclaiming the nearness of the Kingdom led to conflict and death for John. Jesus warned his disciples that they would face similar challenges. But the Kingdom advanced and continues to do so because the power behind it is much stronger than the forces which oppose it. Jesus' warning is clear. If opponents of the Kingdom gave John a hard time because he spoke with power of the coming Kingdom, what do you think they will do to us who live in the power of the Kingdom? We, too, must realize that we have a war on our hands and, like John, proceed faithfully toward God's goal for us and not our own, realizing that if we are a part of God's Kingdom, we will be victorious.
Today's Prayer
Righteous and Almighty God, please give your servants boldness, courage, and conviction as we seek to share the word of your grace with those who are caught in darkness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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