And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12

The idea in this verse is that the kingdom of Heaven, which Jesus set up as a powerful movement or reign among men, (suffers violence) requires of them an equally strong and radical reaction. The violent then who take it by force are people of keen enthusiasm and commitment, who are willing to respond to and propagate with radical abandonment the message and dynamic of God’s reign.

The upheaval caused by the kingdom of God is not caused by political provocation or armed advance. It is the result of God's order shaking relationships, households, cities and nations by the entry of the Holy Spirit's power working through people. People who are a people of prayer have yielded themselves to be agents for the Holy Ghost working the will of the Father.

The Church is called to be a house of prayer for all people, Isaiah 56:7. The Church is called to make known to the principalities and powers what the will of God is, and bring them subject to it by enforcing the judicial punishment of our God, (Eph. 3:10). This is done by fervent prayer and proclamation.



My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning shall I direct my prayers unto Thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3)