The Violent Take It – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com

To embrace Christ’s teachings and attain the Kingdom, we must shift our thinking. He declared, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). This may seem at odds with being peacemakers and turning the other cheek.

However, it’s about our determination in pursuit. This isn’t about unchecked anger but a relentless pursuit of an invaluable treasure. We must be even more eager to grasp the Kingdom. While Jesus’s sacrifice opens the way, we have a role. He didn’t say, “the apathetic take it by indifference,” but “the violent take it by force.”

Having glimpsed the Kingdom at the Feast, we face inner giants—sinful attitudes, addictions, pride. These are the challenges we must confront with spiritual determination.

Equipped with the armor of God and spiritual weapons, we must seize the Kingdom with purpose and zeal. It’s a tangible reality, and our part is to claim it through dedicated effort.