Forceful Restoration of the Kingdom of God: A Spiritual Battle.
The concept of the Kingdom of God, which is not just a future eschatological reality but also a present truth, is central to Christian theology.
It symbolizes the reign and rule of God in our lives today. Jesus Christ, as the herald of this Kingdom, started a spiritual revolution that invited humanity into a profound relationship with God.
However, the Kingdom of God has often faced violent opposition, both spiritually and physically. This essay explores the idea that the Kingdom of God suffers violence and is met with forceful restoration by the spiritually violent.
Through the examples of biblical heroes like Gideon, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the apostles of Jesus Christ, we see how true faith triumphs over trials and how the righteous reclaim the Kingdom through spiritual force.
The Nature of Spiritual Violence
In Matthew 11:12, Jesus states, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.”
This verse highlights the ongoing conflict between the forces of good and evil. The “violent” in this context are those who forcefully advance the Kingdom of God, not through physical violence, but through the unwavering faith, fervent prayer, and righteous living that are the hallmarks of spiritual violence.
Gideon: The Reluctant Warrior
One of Israel’s judges, Gideon is a beacon of courage and resilience. Judges 6–8 witness Gideon initially hiding from the Midianites. However, God calls him a “mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12).
Gideon’s unwavering adherence to God’s directive to destroy the altar of Baal and his subsequent victory over the Midianites with just 300 men symbolize his transformation from fear to faith. Gideon’s story is a testament to the fact that reclaiming the Kingdom requires trust and the courage to rely on God’s strength, not one’s own.
Daniel: Unyielding Faith in Exile
Daniel’s life is a testament to faithfulness under pressure. Taken captive to Babylon, Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced immense pressure to conform to the pagan culture.
Daniel’s refusal to eat the king’s food (Daniel 1), his interpretation of dreams (Daniel 2, 4, and 5), and his continued prayer despite the threat of the lions’ den (Daniel 6) illustrate his commitment to God’s laws.
Daniel 3 narrates how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose the fiery furnace over idolatry, declaring, “The God we serve can deliver us from it… But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17–18).
Their miraculous deliverance shows God’s power to save and the necessity of unwavering faith in the face of persecution.
The Apostles: Embodying the Great Commission
The apostles of Jesus Christ provide profound examples of spiritual warfare and victory. Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the apostles faced severe opposition.
Acts 4 records Peter and John boldly proclaiming the gospel despite threats from religious authorities. Acts 5:29 captures their unyielding stance: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”
The apostles’ unwavering faith, demonstrated through their willingness to endure imprisonment, beatings, and martyrdom, reflects their steadfast commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom.
Heroes of Faith in Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11, often called the “Faith Hall of Fame,” chronicles the stories of numerous Old Testament heroes who lived by faith.
This chapter highlights figures like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others who “conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword” (Hebrews 11:33–34).
These individuals exemplified spiritual fortitude, trusting God’s promises despite overwhelming odds.
The Call to Modern Believers
The call to modern believers is not just a suggestion but a divine mandate: we are to emulate the faith and perseverance of these biblical heroes.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Therefore, we must “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13) to stand firm. This call applies not only to biblical times but also to modern believers, who are also involved in this ongoing spiritual battle.
The apostle Paul encourages believers in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves entirely to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” This perseverance is crucial as we await the ultimate fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.
Conclusion
Violence does indeed exist against the Kingdom of God, but those who are spiritually strong advance resolutely in the face of this violence.
The examples of Gideon, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the apostles inspire believers to fight the good fight of faith. These heroes of faith from Hebrews 11 illustrate that we, too, can reclaim and advance the Kingdom of God through faith and perseverance.
As we engage in this spiritual battle, we do so with the assurance that victory belongs to those who remain steadfast in their commitment to God.