I am a Jesus pusher! The remarkable reality of the sovereignty and existence of God in space is true. Our time zone or activities do not confine God. In understanding His dwelling place, we have a deeper appreciation for His embrace of our helplessness. The wonder of an infinite God indwelling a finite person is beyond comprehension. Even suggesting the possibility of this sovereign God embracing us, as a Father, is enough to “knock us out of our senses” (Matthew 7:28). The great expanse of the dwelling place of God becomes the context in which we discover the intimacy and fatherhood of God in our lives.
You will note in the Beatitudes, and throughout the rest of the sermon, Matthew records Jesus as using the phrase, “Kingdom of heaven” (5:3, 10, 19; 7:21; note also 3:2; 11:25; 13:1+; 18:1+). In Matthew, “heaven” is a substitute word designated for “God.” Matthew follows the tradition of the Jews who considered God’s name too sacred to pronounce. Therefore, we attribute all the qualities of God to “heaven.” This statement of Jesus (in heaven) does not stress the remoteness of God’s presence but establishes the wonder of His intimacy with us as our Father (Matthew 5;16)! “The Kingdom of heaven” is the intimate relationship of Father and son!
Congratulations, go to the “poor in spirit.” We are the helpless ones. Our lives are destitute of all resources; it is the design of our creation. We can only exist in a relationship with the Father. The Sourcing One is not only the sovereign God of the heavens, and He is the sovereign Father of our individual lives. He is not just the sovereign God who controls universes and manages lightning bolts; He is the sovereign God who cares, loves, and tenderly embraces. He flows through our very being; produces all He is in and through us! He is the light shining through us! I am a Jesus pusher!