I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gifts there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brothers, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23, 24). This command is also the conclusion of the opening statement of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). In the final beatitude, Jesus highlighted persecution. This conclusion seems a bit strange. Jesus’ approach is not casual and does not suggest persecution might not happen. He does not attempt to cover all the bases just in case a Kingdom person is persecuted. He is definite that there will be those who will not reconcile with the Kingdom person. They will be enemies. Jesus focused on the flow of God’s nature through the Kingdom person to the one who will not be reconciled. “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:12).
How can I live like this? I must embrace my helplessness! I am “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). This means I will consistently mourn in recognition of my condition (Matthew 5:4). In this state, the Spirit of Jesus merges with me to form the Kingdom of heaven. This new creature consists of Jesus and me in oneness. We form the Kingdom. His nature flows through my helplessness. By His nature in me, we express meekness, fullness, mercy, purity, and peace. Although not everyone will be reconciled with me, this new creature, everyone will experience Jesus’ nature and know His love! Any attempt to worship God apart from the flow of His nature is falsehood. We experience no embrace of divine grace and forgiveness unless we express it to others. This expression is the heart of Jesus! I am a Jesus pusher!!!