I am a Jesus pusher!!! There are eight Beatitudes. The first one ends with the statement, “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The eighth or last Beatitude states, “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). These two statements are exactly alike in words and grammar structure. This is an example of a literary device known as “inclusion.” It signals the beginning and the end of a section. It is a presentation of the theme, concept, or proposition of the sermon. It implies that the Kingdom sums up all the other results listed in the second clauses of the Beatitudes.
It is important to note that the six Beatitudes sandwiched between the first and last are all in the future tense. The reality of the present tense Kingdom is presented in the first Beatitude; we are reminded of this present reality in the last Beatitude. In my state of helplessness, I am embraced by the unlimited resource of Jesus. We become the Kingdom in this union. This is present tense! In this present tense reality Jesus begins to manifest in my life all the resources of His person. As I mourn in response to His presence, I experience more of the Comforter. My physical existence takes on the shape of Jesus’ presence as I embrace Him. The satisfaction of my hungering and thirsting marvels my mind. I experience mercy in an ever-unfolding reality. His face becomes clearer in my sight. I can hear His voice whispering softly in my ear, “You are my son.” These unfolding wonders exist in the kingdom of heaven. What a wonder to be the Kingdom of Heaven, embraced by Jesus. I am a Jesus pusher!!!