I am a Jesus pusher!!! The message of Jesus was“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,”(Matthew 4:17). The Kingdom of Heaven is presenting itself to you. You should respond by repentance. Paul gave the same message. He writes, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God which is your reasonable service,” (Romans 12:1).The basis of his presentation is very clear. “Therefore”links this statement to the previous verses. These verses highlight the great mercies of God (Romans 11:30-36).This is the Biblical order! God pours out His mercy upon us; we respond by presenting ourselves to Him as living sacrifices.
No wonder Paul writes, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). One does not receive the goodness of God after he repents; rather one receives the goodness of God and is moved to repentance. Repentance does not cause Jesus to reconcile with us; rather reconciliation is all around us calling us to repentance.Repentance is the natural response to the love of God, which is embracing us this moment! Jesus has come to us; will we respond? I am a Jesus pusher!!!