UNTIL THEN
"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John." Mat 11:12,13
The "days of John the Baptist" were the days of the Law and the prophets.
These were the days where Jesus was merely foreshadowed, hoped for, prophesied of and pictured. These were the days where no one could clearly see God. The days where we felt like we had to "take" from a reluctant God who didn't want to give to us. Those were the days where everyone was rejected - John for not eating and drinking, Jesus for eating and drinking (v.16-19).
Jesus said "until now". That meant until Jesus came.
"All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Mat 11:27,28
Jesus showed up and revealed the Father to us.
Jesus never said "no" to anyone to asked for healing or help.
Jesus embraced, forgave, ate with and drank with sinners.
Jesus touched the outcast and let the outcast touch Him.
Jesus loved, gave, healed and did miracles to show us a Father we could believe in.
Jesus rebuked, resisted and wrecked religion that rejected people, rejected faith, rejected life (v. 20-24).
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Mat 11:28 - 30
No, you don't have to take from God.
It's not violent men who get the prize because they "take it by force".
That whole system of "the prophets and the Law" will wear you out with religious chores. It will wear you out with trying to figure out how to "take" something from God that He doesn't want you to have.
That system is a thief. It takes.
It breeds taking in you.
It breeds preachers who "take" from people.
It breeds people who "take" from each other.
The Law "takes". Grace supplies.
The Law rewards "force". Grace supplies rest.
The Law was until Jesus. Grace is here.
You don't have to "take" the kingdom by force.
He gladly gives you the kingdom. It's a gift.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
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I'm not saved because I'm good. I'm saved because He's good!
My website: www.bradfreeman.com
My blog: http://bradcfreeman.tumblr.com/ |
Acts-dicted
Posts: 9027
8/16/16 8:39 am
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Violent men take it
