I advocate non-violence !

Sunday 6 June 2021

I advocate non-violence !

Matthew 11:12 - From the time John the Baptist preached until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has suffered violence and the violent seek to seize it (BFC).

I would like to talk about this verse today because I hear many preachers who use this verse in their preaching to teach that it takes being violent to get hold of the things of God. Now, this verse is often taken out of context and it probably doesn't mean that. The Lord Jesus wants to express that John the Baptist and Himself announce the Kingdom of Heaven, they are part of it, and they are both victims of violence : John is in prison and Jesus is threatened with death, the religious seeking to s to get hold of Him. Do you understand what I'm trying to say ?

Of course it takes determination to walk by faith ! Of course you have to hang on to achieve the goal, but certainly not by violence. “Let your meekness be known to all men” Paul told us in Philippians 4:5. Non-violence is also one of the qualities that it is necessary to have to be an elder (1 Timothy 3:3). Let us say it clearly, a child of God must not show violence, on the contrary, he must be an example of calm, serenity and tenderness.

Ezekiel 34.20 tells us : "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them : Behold, I will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep." If you read the whole chapter, you will see that the fat sheep refers to a "Christian" who dominates others, who by his behavior hurts and bullies the weakest. My beloved, let us not hide behind the verse of the day to “justify” haughty, arrogant, violent, angry behavior, under the pretext that it is the violent ones who seize the blessings. Let us take care of those who find it difficult to believe, to move forward, to take hold of the promises, to live in victory...

“Support the weak” Paul tells us again (1 Thessalonians 5:14). The verb “to support” was used when two soldiers were carrying a wounded person. Let us exercise the ministry of encouragement my beloved, help, support, exhort...

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries)