M a t t h e w 1 1 : 1 2

I would say point blank that the key word in this verse is violent. No word game here. This verse says "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force." Actually , this whole sentence is key. Key for today. It almost sounds like an oxymoron...kingdom of heaven and violence.
Jesus' ministry began after he was baptized by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit came upon him (as a dove). After that he was led into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. We see that Jesus immediately was in warfare with the enemy. And so it is today. Who takes the kingdom of heaven?---the violent! How do they take it?---by force! Jesus said it! In my Bible, those words are in red. This doesn't sound like passive Christianity to me. There's a war going on and those that act and act boldly and aggressively will win this war. There is a war for power in and over this world and the souls of mankind everywhere are at stake. Who will ultimately win this war? Those who put their hand to the plow and do not let go or look back; those who watch, stand fast in the faith, are brave and strong; those who take the horns of the altar and refuse to let go.
Violence and force, to some, is antithetical to the popular, present-day conception of Christianity---such as being passive, long-suffering, meek, and one who turns the other cheek---and these traits are Christian. However, let's look at the words used in this verse closer. The Greek word used for force in this verse means 'to snatch or seize' ---doesn't sound passive to me---more like aggressively active. As for violent, my trusty dictionaries define it like this:
1-marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity
2-caused by or showing strong feeling
3-passionate, intense
4-emotionally agitated to the point of loss of self-control
5-caused by force : not natural

We see this boldness, this passion, this intensity throughout the Bible. I'm not talking about brassy bravado or flashy zeal. This is focused purpose. This is singleness of mind and heart. This is people who knew whom they have believed and that he is able. These are those who have had an encounter with the master of all life and creation and know him as an anchor of the soul and power of an endless life.
Paul had an encounter on the road to Damascus that caused his life to do a 180 degree about face never to turn back. Paul received his revelations First-Hand. He then, inspired by the 'living revelation', proceeded to establish the gospel to the Gentile world enduring great perils, travail, and finally loss of his own life.
David, who spent many solitary hours alone in the hills tending to his flocks, had a spiritually inbred identity that produced a vision unto victory that no one else could see or attain. When Goliath vaunted himself and taunted the armies of Israel, all others were intimidated and paralyzed with fear. But David, full of true righteous indignation, was compelled to say, "who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" Not only did he square off with the giant face to face, but he spoke back at him proclaiming that he would take his head and, then, ran to meet him and did exactly that---no turning the other cheek here.
Jacob, under threat of death from his brother for his deceptive birthright-blessing theft, wrestled till dawn with the Angel of God, and would not let go, even though injured, until he was blessed by God. He was blessed---with a new name and identity---because he prevailed with God and men.

In Mark 10, there is the story of a blind man (Bartimaeus) who sat by the roadside--how he wanted to see. One day he heard Jesus was coming by. As a crowd gathered and Jesus neared, he began to call for his attention. He yelled so loudly that people began to tell him to quiet down---but he wouldn't. He cried all the louder as he had an intense need. He wouldn't and didn't stop until Jesus, even amidst all that crowd, heard his cry and actually stood still asking that he be brought to him. Bartimaeus, upon hearing that he had been heard and summoned, actually threw his garment aside and went forward without it. Now, I have read that these 'garments' were important to blind people as this is how they were led around. This was their connection to the seeing world. This was their link to direction and guidance. This man received what he desparately needed because he knew where to get it and didn't give up even when confronted by others. He had great faith that things were about to change when he cast his garment aside even before he was actually healed. He, like Jacob, took advantage or 'snatched and seized' the situation and didn't let go until he received a response.

Paul had an intense passion and purpose as David had a clear focus and identity that could not be matched or overcome. Jacob and blind Bartimaeus had this same fervency and would not take no for an answer. All were charged beyond self control and looking beyond the natural to something greater. They were in control but propelled and motivated by a higher calling for something better---the kingdom of heaven here on earth............

The righteous are bold as a lion-Proverbs 28.1 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.-James 5.16

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