THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:16-18
“Kingdom of God is preached and everyone is forcing their way into it.” (Luke 16:16)
Who is forcing (the word means ‘violence’) their way into the kingdom?
Similarly in Matthew 11:12 Jesus refers to people violently opposing His message.
Ironically, it was the religious people who attacked Him to defend the Law.
Jesus defends Moses’ Law for its God-intended purpose: to prepare for the kingdom!
The Law was temporary, in place for a time UNTIL Jesus (Galatians 3:23-25).
It included laws (like divorce) contrary to God original plan (Matthew 19:8).
It included violence, which is not God’s intent for life in this world.
When christians use violence to defend faith, they work against the Jesus way.
God’s response to evil is best seen in the cross, not in the sword.
God does not resort to violence to end evil, He submits to violence to end it.
How do we as christians respond to evil in the world?
Do we insist on our rights, defend ourselves by attacking others with our bibles?
Do we critique and attack those who disagree with us, making them to be enemies?
As Jesus followers, let us arm ourselves with the cross, not with worldly weapons.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for turning Your message into a weapon of violence, an excuse to fight for our own worldy kingdoms and rights. Help us to understand the cross as the way to the crown!
The law and the prophets was the Word before Jesus came. Yet the religious leaders of the day had put barriers – their own rules – for the people and therefore excluded many people. Yet Jesus had but one commandment – Love – love God, love neighbour. As His follower I need to walk in His way and not man’s way. His rules and not man made rules. He gives life and life eternal but man’s ways give death.
When I am SpiritLed I continue toe desire to grow in His way and be like Him.
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without try light to see
Lord just always let me Thy servant be
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Lord just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me