I am a Jesus pusher!!! Many people are intrigued by prophecy. The investigation of the unfolding prophetic events and our location in that sequence is addictive. Prophecy is not about Jesus; it is Jesus! The ultimate theme of Old Testament prophecy is Jesus; but it was in the future tense. Matthew’s Gospel account places us on a new level. Jesus is “present tense.” The Pharisees and Sadducees had a very difficult time with the “present tense” Jesus. A strong financial contributor to the budget of the temple was the offering of sacrificial lambs. Each lamb was a testimony of the coming Messiah. It was prophecy in the future tense. If “The Lamb” is present tense, there would never be a need for further lamb sacrifices. The temple with all of its activities testified of the coming Messiah. If He is here, the significance of these activities and the temple would fade. The leaders of Israel chose a future tense Messiah rather than a present tense Jesus.
We face the same dilemma. We focus on what Jesus will do at the second coming. We sing songs of heaven, streets of gold and great mansions. There will be no more death, pain, or sorrow. What about the present tense embrace of Jesus in my life now? The way I am going to live as a result of the second coming is the way I am to live now filled with His presence. Sin will be banished then; will I allow His presence to banish it now in my life? Peace will reign then; will I allow Him to rule in peace in my life now? In a real sense, we are waiting for nothing. All I am experiencing in the intimacy of the present tense Jesus will simply manifest itself in fuller revelation in the future. He is here; I am His! I am a Jesus pusher!!!