The kingdom suffers violence
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. – Matthew 11:12
Joshua 1:5-10
5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
6 Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
9 This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
10 Joshua then commanded . . ..
Resistance and Opposition
When good people strive to do what is right, they often face resistance from opposing forces, both external and internal. Externally, this resistance may come from individuals or groups that profit from maintaining the status quo. They often find ways to exploit the system for personal gain. Those who stand for what is right frequently face criticism, ridicule, or even hostility from those who feel threatened by change, personal loss, or potential exposure.
History is replete with examples of individuals who faced significant opposition for standing up for what is right, such as William Wilberforce’s fight to end slavery in England. Opposition arose from various economic, social, and political interests. The transatlantic slave trade was a cornerstone of the British economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries, with industries such as sugar, cotton, and shipping heavily reliant on enslaved people.
Wealthy merchants, plantation owners, and investors strongly resisted abolition, fearing substantial financial losses and the potential collapse of their businesses. Additionally, deeply misguided, widespread racial prejudice played a significant role.
What Motivated Wilberforce?
Wilberforce was driven by strong moral beliefs and his Christian faith. As a devoted evangelical, he considered slavery a grave sin and a moral outrage against human dignity. He believed that everyone was equal in God’s eyes. For Wilberforce, abolishing slavery was a moral duty, not merely a political goal. His dedication played a significant role in ending the British slave trade in 1807 and securing the emancipation of enslaved people in 1833.
Overcoming Personal Discouragement
Too often, resistance and opposition take their toll. Could it be that even Wilberforce struggled with self-doubt, fatigue, or discouragement? Perhaps, he wondered, “Is this worth it?” or “Am I making a difference?”
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Resistance, while painful, often confirms that the work being done is meaningful and has an impact. It serves as a reminder that doing good is seldom easy, but worth it. But it’s during these moments of resistance that character is shaped and perseverance is built.
Opposition to The Kingdom of God
Throughout history, forces have attempted to resist, oppose, and hinder the work of God’s kingdom. The arrival of John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Messiah heightened this conflict. From the outset of John’s ministry, the kingdom of heaven encountered intense opposition. His preaching provoked strong reactions, resulting in serious consequences. The kingdom of darkness is at war with the kingdom of God, trying to thwart God’s work in the world.
In Matthew 11:22, Jesus asserted that, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”
How did enemies of the kingdom attempt to seize it and destroy it? The Pharisees and scribes fiercely opposed it. They couldn’t understand who John the Baptist was or where he got his authority (John 1:19-25). They repeatedly confronted and challenged the Lord Jesus Christ.
John was a remarkable man tasked with an overwhelming job. The Lord Jesus Christ commended him in Matthew 11:11, “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist.” In the Father’s preordained plan, King Herod captured and imprisoned John the Baptist. Events were not unfolding as John had anticipated. Even the great John the Baptist began to have doubts, so he sent his disciples to confirm whether Jesus was truly the Messiah.
Due to the recurring violence done to the kingdom of God, the temptation to doubt under pressure arises repeatedly. Sadly, many children of the King struggle with uncertainty and indecisiveness.
REFLECT & PRAY
Following the Lord Jesus Christ and striving to do what is right will come with challenges and opposition. We are called to be bold and persistent in the face of these obstacles.
Father, thank You that the Lord Jesus Christ has already won the battle and that victory is assured. Help me to stand firm in my faith, rely on Your Word, and persevere with courage.
INSIGHT
Expect Challenges but not to be Overwhelmed
The Lord Jesus Christ prepares His disciples to have a realistic expectation of what it will be like to live in a fallen world, in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
The Lord Jesus Christ does not promise a life without difficulties. Instead, He prepares His followers, the children of the King, for opposition because of their faith. The Greek word translated as “tribulation” is thlipsis, which refers to “trials, suffering, persecution, and hardships.”
But Take Heart
Despite the promise of hardships, Jesus encourages children of the King to “take heart.” The Greek word for “take heart” is tharsei, which comes from the noun tharsos, meaning “boldness or courage.” Interestingly, it is found only in the imperative tense in the Greek New Testament. It has a sense of “confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or suffering.” It may be translated as “be of good cheer, have courage, be bold, or be confident.” We are called to “maintain hope and resist fear in the face of opposition and adversity.”
In essence, Barclay explains that Jesus says, “‘The victory which I will win can be your victory too. The world did its worst to me, and I emerged victorious. Life can do its worst to you, and you, too, can emerge victorious. You, too, can possess the courage and the conquest of the cross.”
What is the Source of Our Confidence?
Lord Jesus Christ declares, “I have overcome the world.” He views the final outcome of his life, death, burial, and resurrection as a completed reality. In doing so, he proclaims his ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of evil. He has already triumphed over anything that could obstruct or damage our relationship with the Father.
But We Will Prevail
The Lord Jesus Christ conveys His confidence through different words in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
The term “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia. Ekklesia describes a community of people who follow Christ, the children of the King. This is the first mention of the word “church” in the New Testament. In ancient times, city gates symbolized power, authority, and protection. Therefore, the “gates of hell” (or “Hades”) signify “the powers of death, evil, and the opposing forces of the enemy.”
The Lord Jesus Christ assures us that He will establish a spiritual community that will endure and prevail over all forms of opposition, persecution, and suffering. His church cannot be thwarted.
How do we Achieve Success?
Joshua shows us the way. The Father promised to be with him and provide unwavering support and guidance: “I will be with you; I will not fail or abandon you.” With this assurance, Joshua is called to lead with strength and courage, anchored in obedience to God’s Word. His success would rely upon faithfulness, diligent study, meditation, and the practice of God’s instructions. Fear and discouragement have no place in his journey, as God’s presence is always with him.
As we face opposition, we are called to step boldly into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. We should have confidence in His character, His promises, and the assurance that He will accomplish what He has declared He would do.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 