“The Violent Bear It Away” is a phrase derived from Matthew 11:12, which suggests that those who are forceful or determined in their pursuit of God’s kingdom will actively seize it. It implies a sense of urgency and assertiveness in responding to spiritual truths and experiences.
Scripture
12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.
13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,
14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.
15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Biblical Meaning of “The Violent Bear It Away”
The phrase “The Violent Bear It Away” from Matthew 11:12, which states, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force,” encapsulates a profound spiritual urgency and tenacity in the pursuit of God’s kingdom. This idea challenges the notion of passive faith; instead, it portrays a dynamic struggle that reflects both inner and outer conflicts faced by believers. The “violent” refers not to physical aggression but to a fervent commitment and an assertive stance that believers must adopt to fully embrace and realize their spiritual inheritance. This theme echoes throughout the New Testament, notably in Luke 13:24, where Jesus urges, “Strive to enter through the narrow door,” highlighting the necessity of vigor and intentionality in the walk of faith.
Furthermore, this passage invites a deeper contemplation of the costs associated with authentic discipleship. The “violence” faced by the kingdom may symbolize the spiritual warfare and opposition believers encounter in a world that often stands against God’s principles. In this light, Matthew 16:24-26 reinforces the message, as Jesus calls his followers to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him. The urgency of seeking the kingdom encourages believers to adopt a posture of relentless pursuit, one that recognizes the transformative power of grace while being willing to actively engage in the struggle against worldly distractions and spiritual apathy. This active faith not only cultivates personal growth but also impacts community, as shared resolve in pursuing God’s purposes manifests in tangible acts of love and justice.
The essence of “The Violent Bear It Away” aligns with the biblical narrative that speaks to the passionate pursuit of righteousness amidst adversity. This struggle is reflective of the broader theological principle of sanctification, where believers are called to continuously strive for spiritual maturity despite the hurdles they face. For instance, the apostle Paul emphasizes in his letters the necessity of fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12), urging the faithful to persevere in their commitment to living out their faith against societal opposition and personal temptation. This demands not only physical exertion but a profound reliance on divine strength, further illustrating the transformative interplay between human effort and divine grace in shaping one’s character.
Moreover, this theme finds resonance in the concept of prophetic voices throughout scripture, such as the Old Testament prophets who valiantly advocated for justice and righteousness, often facing violent pushback from the constructs of society. Their unwavering stand serves as a reminder that the journey to embody God’s kingdom can entail risks and sacrifices. Similarly, the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) encapsulates the spirit of tenacity required in faith—a relentless pursuit of justice that ultimately leads to reward. The narrative compels believers to exemplify a heart that not only seeks justice but actively participates in the revolutionary work of love and mercy, knowing that the path of discipleship is intrinsically linked to the idea of a fierce, enduring desire for the divine, echoing the sentiment that true faith is marked by an active engagement with the challenges that lie ahead.
The Struggle for Spiritual Truth
The phrase “The Violent Bear It Away” can be interpreted as a reflection of the intense struggle individuals face in their pursuit of spiritual truth and enlightenment. This struggle often requires a fervent commitment and a willingness to confront challenges and opposition. In this context, “the violent” symbolizes those who are passionate and relentless in their quest for understanding and connection with the divine. It suggests that attaining spiritual fulfillment is not a passive endeavor but rather one that demands courage, determination, and sometimes even aggression against the forces that seek to hinder one’s spiritual journey.
The Cost of Discipleship
Another broader meaning of this phrase relates to the cost of discipleship and the sacrifices required to follow a spiritual path. The term “violent” can be seen as indicative of the radical changes and upheavals that may occur in a person’s life when they choose to embrace a faith or a calling. This interpretation emphasizes that true commitment to a spiritual life may lead to conflict, both internally and externally, as one navigates societal norms and personal desires. The idea of “bearing it away” suggests that those who are willing to endure hardship and struggle for their beliefs will ultimately find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The Nature of Divine Justice
Lastly, “The Violent Bear It Away” can also be understood in the context of divine justice and the idea that those who are forceful or assertive in their faith may be the ones who ultimately receive God’s favor or blessings. This perspective highlights the notion that the divine order may favor those who actively seek to uphold righteousness and truth, even in the face of adversity. It suggests that there is a dynamic interplay between human effort and divine grace, where the “violent” are not merely aggressive but are also seen as agents of change who are instrumental in bringing about God’s will on earth.
How to Embrace Faith in the Midst of Struggle
Embracing faith in the midst of struggle can feel daunting, but it’s often in these challenging moments that our faith can grow the most. When life throws its hardest trials at us, it’s essential to remember that we are not alone; God walks with us through every storm. Start by leaning into prayer, pouring out your heart to Him, and seeking His guidance and comfort. Surround yourself with a supportive community—friends, family, or a church group—who can uplift you and remind you of God’s promises. Reflect on scripture, especially verses that speak to perseverance and hope, like Romans 5:3-5, which reminds us that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. Finally, practice gratitude, even for the small things, as it shifts our focus from our struggles to the blessings that still surround us. In these ways, we can cultivate a deeper, more resilient faith that shines brightly even in the darkest times.
Bible References to “The Violent Bear It Away”:
Luke 16:16-17: 16 “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.
17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.
Micah 2:12-13: 12 I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will gather the remnant of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture, a noisy multitude of men.
13 The breaker goes up before them;
they break through and pass the gate,
going out by it.
Their king passes on before them,
the Lord at their head.
Isaiah 35:3-4: 3 Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 42:1-4: 1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
Isaiah 53:7-9: 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Isaiah 61:1-3: 1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Jeremiah 31:31-34: 31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah,
32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord.
33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord.
Daniel 7:18-22: 18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.
19 “Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,
20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.
21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,
22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
Zechariah 9:9-10: 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
John 1:12-13: 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 6:44-45: 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ So everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—
Romans 8:16-17: 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Philippians 3:12-14: 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:12-16: 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,
14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Hebrews 4:14-16: 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 11:32-34: 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—
33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Revelation 2:26-29: 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,
27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 3:21-22: 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.