Download
1 / 25
250 likes | 360 Views
The Violent of God. Angry Mob. Unburied bones of victims of the Rwandan genocide. Biazo ( biazw ) translated suffereth violence in Matthew and presseth in Luke. Pindar the Greek Poet. Used biazo in the sense of Bold or Brave.
E N D
Biazo (biazw) translated suffereth violence in Matthewand presseth in Luke.
Pindar the Greek Poet • Used biazo in the sense of Bold or Brave
As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ’s withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church; but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience. (The Desire of Ages, p. 232)
“John the Baptist was the last Old Testament messenger and the first preacher of the New Age.” (The Gospel According to Luke, Logos Edition)
And from the days of John the Baptist till now, the kingdom of heaven is forcing its way in, and men of force take it. Matthew 11:12 BBE From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, {Or has been coming violently} and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12 ESV
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. (The Review and Herald, February 9, 1897)
Many, very many, are making a fatal mistake by failing to heed this lesson of God’s providence. Peace and rest can be secured only by conflict. The powers of light and darkness are in array, and we must individually take a part in the struggle. Jacob wrestled all night with God before he gained the victory. As he pleaded with God in prayer, he felt a strong hand laid upon him; and thinking it to be the hand of an enemy, he put forth all his strength to resist him. He wrestled for hours, but gained nothing over his opponent, and he dared not relax his efforts for one moment, lest he should be overcome and lose his life. Thus the contest went on until the dawn of day, and neither had gained the victory. Then the stranger brought the conflict to a close. He touched the thigh of Jacob, and the wrestler’s strength was paralyzed. It was not until then that Jacob learned who his opponent really was; and, falling crippled and weeping on his neck, he pleaded for his life. (The Youth’s Instructor, May 24, 1900 par. 2)
The angel could easily have released himself from the grasp of Jacob, but he did not do this. “Let me go,” he pleaded, “for the day breaketh.” But the answer came from the suffering but determined Jacob, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” The suppliant’s tears and prayers gained for him what he struggled in vain to obtain. “What is thy name?” the angel asked. “And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. . . . And he blessed him there.” (The Youth’s Instructor, May 24, 1900 par. 3)
Jacob was in fear and distress while he sought in his own strength to obtain the victory. He mistook the divine visitor for an enemy, and contended with him while he had any strength left. But when he cast himself upon the mercy of God, he found that instead of being in the hands of an enemy, he was encircled in the arms of infinite love. He saw God face to face, and his sins were pardoned. (The Youth’s Instructor, May 24, 1900 par. 4)
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” This violence takes in the whole heart. To be double minded is to be unstable. Resolution, self-denial, and consecrated effort are required for the work of preparation. The understanding and the conscience may be united; but if the will is not set to work, we shall make a failure. Every faculty and feeling must be engaged. Ardor and earnest prayer must take the place of listlessness and indifference. Only by earnest, determined effort and faith in the merits of Christ can we overcome, and gain the kingdom of heaven. Our time for work is short. Christ is soon to come the second time. May God help those who have heard the warning message to remember that “the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” (The Youth’s Instructor, May 24, 1900 par. 5)
Here the meaning clearly is that everyone forces his way into the kingdom of God, a plea for moral enthusiasm and spiritual passion and energy that some today affect to despise. (Robinson’s Word Pictures of the New Testament)
We must act like men in earnest. We need to obtain a rich daily experience in prayer; we should be like the importunate widow, who, in her conscious need, overcame the unjust judge by the bare force of her determined pleading. God will be enquired of to do these things for us; for this is giving depth and solidity to our experience. The soul that seeks God will need to be in earnest. He is a rewarder of all those that seek him diligently. (The Paulson Collection, p. 104)
Christ did not immediately reply to the woman’s request. . . . But although Jesus did not reply, the woman did not lose faith. As He passed on, as if not hearing her, she followed Him, continuing her supplications. . . . The woman urged her case with increased earnestness, bowing at Christ’s feet, and crying, “Lord, help me.” . . . The Saviour is satisfied. He has tested her faith in Him. By His dealings with her, He has shown that she who has been regarded as an outcast from Israel is no longer an alien, but a child in God’s household. As a child it is her privilege to share in the Father’s gifts. Christ now grants her request, and finishes the lesson to the disciples. Turning to her with a look of pity and love, He says, “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” From that hour her daughter became whole. The demon troubled her no more. The woman departed, acknowledging her Saviour, and happy in the granting of her prayer. (The Desire of Ages, pp. 399-402)
Trials will come. God will test the strength of our faith. He will prove us to see if we will trust him under difficulties. The silver and the gold are the Lord’s; and when his stewards have done their duty fully, and can do no more, they are not to sit down at ease, and let things take their course. It is then that they should cry to God for help. There should be stated seasons for prayer. Let those who have faith seek the Lord earnestly, remembering that the “kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” (The Review and Herald, October 12, 1886)
Robert Browning • “For sudden the worst turns the best to the brave.” • Prospice
