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Matthew 11: 12 “From the days of
John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully
advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” (NIV)
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As we are living out our lives on earth, the supernatural universe is simultaneously at war.* |
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The
kingdom of heaven is a spiritual realm, not a physical place. The army of the
kingdom is invisible to human eyes but it is mighty. When I read Jesus’
description of it as “forcefully advancing,” I hear the thunder of military
boots marching to war. The battles will be fierce but victory is guaranteed.
Satan
heard the sound of those marching feet and he was alarmed. I have read
speculation that Satan knew something was afoot when Jesus came to earth but he
didn’t know what, so he sent out his own army, ramping up the demonic activity
during the days of Jesus’ ministry. A defensive maneuver like his demands a
forceful countermove so the army of the kingdom of heaven is recruiting
volunteers. Like the United States Marine Corps, this army is looking for a few
good men (and women) – forceful and bold warriors willing to “wrestle with
principalities and powers.”*
If you
think that Christianity is for sissies, you don’t understand spiritual warfare
and you underestimate Satan. It has been said that if you pray for peace, you
should prepare for war. As someone has eloquently depicted it: "The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent
energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. . . . The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for
courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it."*
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Military battles are not won with soldiers in the barracks nor are spiritual battles won by Christians who content themselves with polishing their holy armor in the safety of a church building.* |
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