I am a Jesus pusher!!! When we are in the presence of God in worship and offering ourselves to Him, He will reveal any disruption in fellowship with our brother. We cannot maintain fellowship with God with that disruption. He clearly says, “Leave your gift there before the altar” (Matthew 5:24). The Greek word “ekei,” translated there, is different from the previous verse. Jesus said, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you” (Matthew 5:23). The Greek word there is “kakei,” projecting the idea of two things happening in the same place. In other words, in the exact location you bring your gift to God, you remember the difference between you and your brother.
Once you remember the difference, you are to leave your sacrificial gift there (ekei). In the New Covenant framework, you are the temple. In the Old Testament pattern, reconciliation with your brother is a duty to perform for God to accept your sacrifice. In the New Testament pattern, intimacy with Jesus is the inspiration and sourcing for reconciliation. You will become the expression of Jesus’ redemptive heart to your brother. If you cannot have the right relationship with God while you dwell in anger, neither can your brother have the right relationship with God. You express this in the method of your going. “Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way” (Matthew 5:24). The Greek word “hupago,” translated go your way, is from two Greek words, “hupo” denoting “secrecy,” and “ago,” meaning, “to go.” You are not going to your brother to “straighten him out” in boldness and pride. But slipping away privately, you share with your brother the love of Jesus in your heart. I am a Jesus pusher!!!