The Jesus Pusher Blog

Jesus Pusher 155

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Peter preached a sermon explaining the Pentecost event (Acts 2:14-39). His entire explanation is Jesus! What God, the Father, did in and through Jesus, He now wants to do in and through us. The Jews of the Dispersion were cut to the heart for they had crucified Jesus (Acts 2:37). Peter did not give the final “amen” and then leave; he stayed and continued to clarify the spiritual truth. Luke writes, “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them,” (Acts 2:40). The first word in the Greek text (heteros) is translated other. This highlights the additional discussion. Peter answered their questions and constantly brought them back to Jesus. It may have been a lengthy time.

Peter testified during this dialogue (Acts 2:40). The Greek word (diemarturato) is the root word for “testify” with a prefix (dia), which intensifies the witness. It expresses a pleading with them. He told them his experience with Jesus. He denied Jesus three times; yet Jesus forgave him. Would He not do the same for them? Peter exhorted during this dialogue (Acts 2:40). This Greek word (parakaleo) comes from “para” (to the side of) and “kaleo” (to call). It means to aid, help, comfort, or encourage. It is in the imperfect tense expressing “kept on exhorting.” Peter could not keep silent about Jesus. They must embrace Him. The subject of Peter’s sermon, his testimony, and his exhorting was Jesus. He was a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 154

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 27 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Peter preached a sermon explaining the Pentecost event. It brought such conviction three thousand Jews were converted to Jesus. This group joined the one hundred and twenty disciples to form the early church. Luke gives us a description of the state of this group as they developed into the body of Christ (Acts 2:40-47). The emphasis in this statement begins with “subtracting” (Acts 2:40). He quickly shifts the emphasis to “addition” (Acts 2:41). In other words, the new converts were removed from one group and added to another group. Each group is clearly defined, but the greater description is the group to which they are added.

The language of “subtracting” and “adding” is consistently used in the New Testament. Paul declares, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,” (Colossians 1:13). “Light and darkness,” “love and hate,” “Kingdom of God and Kingdom of this world,” and “truth and deception,” are used to highlight “subtraction” and “addition.” There is not a third or fourth group! There are only two groups. We are either in the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Satan. We either walk in light or we walk in darkness. We cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). I want Jesus as my Master! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 153

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

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!!!

Jesus Pusher 152

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Matthew gives us insight into the core of Jesus’ preached message. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” (Matthew 4:17). “To preach” is the broad view of His message. The Greek word (lego) translated “to say” is the narrow view of the content. It is an adverb giving content to the main verb, began. It paints the picture of laying things together or to collect. Jesus’ preaching was a discourse where significant words are linked together. It is “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The foundation of repentance is the nearness of the Kingdom. The Greek word (gar) translated for is a causative particle. It is placed after one or more words in a clause to express the reason for what was previously presented. The call is to repent. The reason for such a response is the kingdom of heaven is at hand. One does not repent and the Kingdom comes. The Kingdom comes; we must respond by repentance. This is the Biblical order! Jesus, the King, comes to my life; I am drawn to the response of repentance. I could resist; why would I want to? All the provisions of the Kingdom are contained in Jesus. I can repent and embrace it all in Him. What a privilege! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 151

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! From that time Jesus began to preach (Mathew 4:17). Adequate preaching must be permeated with authority. According to Matthew, Jesus preached with great authority. At the close of the Sermon on the Mount, he records, And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, not as the scribes (Matthew 7:28-29). Jesus’ authority came from the Father through the Scriptures. The scribes mixed their declarations of the Scriptures with their own traditions and interpretations. This reduced their presentations to their own opinions; it produced great division and arguments. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presented to them the fullness of the Scripture. In fact, He proclaimed the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-20). This great sermon was the proclamation of the content’s fulfillment. A brilliant mind, talented persuasion, or skillful debate, were not the basis of His preaching. Jesus was saturated in the Father through the Scriptures.

Jesus, after being raised from the dead, shared with two of His disciples. And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27). He based His entire life on the Scriptures. He believed in the validity of the first five books of the Old Testament. This was the basis of His authority. As Jesus shared the Scriptures with these two disciples their hearts burned within them (Luke 24:32). I want Jesus to share His Word with me. Does my heart burn? I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 150

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” (Matthew 4:17). Matthew gives content to the ministry Jesus began in Galilee with two additional verbs. They are in the infinitive mood and are used as adverbs. Jesus began to preach and to say. The first statement is a broader approach to the content while the second statement points directly to the content of the quotation.

The Greek word (kerysso) is translated to preach. In the New Testament “preaching” plays a major role in the spreading of the Gospel. It is used sixty-one times as a verb. It is fundamentally a declaration of an event. It is contrasted with the idea of teaching (edidasken). Preaching is the statement of certainties, not the proclamation of possibilities. It is not to argue, reason, dispute, or convince by intellectual proof. A keen intellect can bring counterargument to all or any of these. It is the proclamation of what is, truth. Preaching is not information about Jesus; it is the revelation of Jesus. Preaching contains the mystical movement of His very person. Other subjects can lectured; the Gospel must be preached. It contains an anointing, which is His very presence. Regardless of speaking skills, techniques, or knowledge, preaching is not experienced without Him. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” (John 14:6). We are literally confronted with Him through preaching! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 149

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus is the subject of the sentence. The main verb is the Greek word (archomai) translated began. The Greek word (tote) translated that time is an adverb meaning “after that.” Jesus began after His departure from Judea, going to Galilee. The verb (archomai) comes from the root Greek word (archo) meaning, “to be first.” It most often refers to political rank or power. Our main verb is in the middle voice expressing the internal heart of Jesus beginning something new in Galilee.

The emphasis is blaring! Jesus responds to His heart’s cry for the people of Galilee. The sophisticated, wealthy, legalistic, and narrow Jews of Jerusalem repeatedly refused the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus. They did not embrace the introduction of the Kingdom of Heaven. In contrast, the people of Galilee, who sat in darkness, had such great need. Their great distress caused them to cry out. In which group am I? Jesus sees my need! I am open to Him! He comes to me! His heart’s cry is for you as well! Could we respond together? I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 148

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! The Galilean ministry of Jesus is described as a ministry in the shadow of death (Matthew 4:16). Death is actually personified. A shadow is the darkness cast upon a place by a body raised between it and the light. In this passage death is Satan who is blocking the light. The people of Galilee missed the light intended for them from the Old Testament. They dwell in darkness.

Have you ever been totally frustrated with someone? It is so obvious to you that they are in a place of darkness. They cause their own ruin and destruction. How could you explain it to them? It is not about intellectual information or data. It is about a dwelling place. Their light is being blocked. They live in the shadow of death.

The Gospel is the good news! Light has dawned (Matthew 4:16). The Greek word (anatello) translated has dawned is used nine times in the New Testament. It is used six times in connection with the sun. It has the idea of “springing up.” Jesus departed from Judea and came to Galilee to begin His ministry. This is described as the light springing up in the spiritual place of darkness. Satan stood between the people of Galilee and the light. Jesus out maneuvered him. Jesus, the light, comes to my dark place! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 147

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned (Matthew 4:16). Jesus was going to Galilee to establish a new ministry. The people of this area are described as “sitting” in a place. It is not described in physical boundaries such as the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali (Matthew 4:15) even though this was their physical location. It is described as the region and shadow of death. The Greek word (chora) translated region usually refers to an uninhabited or sparsely settled land in contrast to cultivated area or cities. In our passage this refers to a dwelling place over which there is a shadow of death. It is a dwelling place (abstract), which is not a place (concrete)! This does not mean it is not real, but it is not a description of a physical place.

In the Scriptures, there is a spiritual reality in our lives, which is referred to as a place. I cannot physically remove myself from this place. In other words, if I physically relocate, I simply take my spiritual place with me. I do not move in and out of this spiritual dwelling. It is like a gigantic bubble surrounding me at all times. It is the very atmosphere of my being. It is my “spot.” Often, I thought my personal problems were caused by my physical location; in reality, they are a result of my spiritual place. Jesus invades my spiritual dwelling; He is the light! I give Him the right of way in my dwelling place. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 146

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Matthew is very clear; Jesus is the light. Jesus departed to Galilee (Matthew 4:12). He is the fulfillment of the prophecy quoted from Isaiah, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,” (Matthew 4:16). They saw Jesus! There is such an abundance of Scripture testifying to this truth. In Him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:4-5). That was the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:9). Jesus proclaimed Himself to be this Light. Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The light for every crisis is Jesus. When Jesus referred to Himself as the light of the world (John 8:12), He was in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; (John 8:20). The temple treasury was the outer court, the court of the women. It was the conclusion of the feast of Tabernacles. At that feast the Jews celebrated the illumination of the Temple. A massive series of candelabras were placed in the middle of this court. For one week a great stream of light would shine out continuously. This commemorated the pillar of fire that led Israel during the wilderness wanderings under Moses. As Jesus entered the court of the women, the light had just been extinguished. The candelabra were still in place, but they gave no light. Jesus declares that He Himself is the light of the world that will never go out. He is your light! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 145

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Matthew describes the ministry of Jesus in Galilee. It is a quote of Isaiah, the prophet, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,” (Matthew 4:16). Consider yourself in a room of absolute darkness. A simple match is struck. It cannot be missed. No one can exclaim, “I did not see it!” Matthew highlights the word “light” with an adjective. It is the Greek word (mega) translated great. If the smallest light must be seen, how could the mega light be missed? In the great Book of Romans, Paul establishes this clearly. He declares, “What may be known of God is manifested in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:19- 20).

There is a revelation (light), which comes “to us” and is “in us.” We not only know from the outside; we know from the inside. Everyman has this light. While this is true in general, it is also true in particular. We are included in the revelation of God through Jesus from without and from within. Why would we not respond to the revelation of Jesus? To resist Him is to resist everything that is good for us. All barriers are removed; all excuses are set aside. I am embracing the One who is truth. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 144

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16). This refers to the people of Galilee. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. But it is true of us all! Listen to the words of Paul to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,” (Titus 2:11). The Greek word (epiphaino) translated has appeared is a combination of two Greek words. The first one presents the idea of “over,” “upon,” or “to.” The second word means, “to shine.” Paul portrays the idea of light. This Greek word (epiphaino) appears first in the Greek text. Evidently Paul felt this was the most important part of his statement. God takes the initiative; He encounters every one!

No one can possibly miss the light. The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16). And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1:5). These statements establish the invincibility of the light. The darkness cannot overcome the light. This eliminates every excuse. No one can plead ignorance. No one can plead only one chance. The light continually shines. The light is shining even now in the darkness into which you and I may have wandered. This light is Jesus. He is our Way Out! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 143

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Prevenient grace” is the basis of all theology. It appears repeatedly in our studies. How could it not? It is so important. It may be necessary to speak of it every time we assemble. The meaning of “prevenient” is “going before.” Another word for “grace” is “love.” Therefore, prevenient grace is the love of God, which goes before any and every response of man. God initiates every encounter with Himself. He is after us! We cannot claim our discovery of God as a result of our effort. We did not learn, search, develop, or invent even the slightest knowledge of Him. Your first desire for God came from Him. He brought revelation to your life.

Seven hundred years prior to Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, God spoke through a prophet. This prophecy is a revelation of prevenient grace. The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16). They were overcome, submerged, and immersed in darkness. Absolute despair is the picture. Then Jesus, the light, came. God brought the light. No explanation is possible. This is “revelation.” Man saw because Jesus revealed. Man heard because Jesus spoke. Man knows because Jesus imparted. The height of stupidity is to claim the right to stand before God as if we placed ourselves there. How could we earn the right? This self-pride is the epitome of the heart of evil. We fell into the depth of a pit; God has rescued us! We have strayed as sheep; the Good Shepherd has found us. We are the prodigal sons in the pigpen; the Father embraces us. Jesus comes to us! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 142

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! The sun produces the daylight. It is the revelation or instrument of its revelation. The daylight enables us to see our surroundings; it gives us life. Vitamins and nutrients are shared with us from the sun through the light. The sun, the source, gives us warmth through the light. How can one separate the daylight from the sun? They are inseparable! Jesus was filled with the Spirit; He is a Spirit-sourced Man. Jesus has departed to Galilee (Matthew 4:12). The people of Galilee who sat in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16). They are conquered, embraced, and overwhelmed with darkness. But the Father, through the Spirit-sourced Son, shined upon them. Revelation containing life, nutrition, and vision came to them; it is a new day!

The light came to them! They sat in darkness. Does one see the light or does the light reveal itself? Does it actually force one into seeing? An individual can close their eyes, but the light is so great it forces its way through closed eyelids. Revelation will come; it cannot be stopped. Here is the promise: And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overcome) it (John 1:5). I may be a Jesus pusher; but Jesus is His own pusher! He is revealing Himself; you cannot miss Him. He is pressing Himself upon your life. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 141

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! The prophecy of Isaiah describes the people of Galilee: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16). The verb of the sentence is have seen (eido). It means “to see” or “to perceive.” There is an amazing interaction between this verb and the accusative (direct object) of the sentence, light. Light is receiving the action of the verb. It is a contrast between people who are immersed in darkness and who now comprehend the great light. The Greek word (mega) translated great expands the force of the light.

The Greek word (phos) translated light comes from the root word “phao.” It is also the root word for “phone,” which is translated “to shine” or “sound.” It is the basis for our word “telephone.” It is the instrument through which a message comes. John the Baptist was the “phone” (voice) of one crying in the wilderness (Matthew 3:3). This concept of instrument is also contained in the light. The light is the instrument by which you see your surroundings, but you do not see the light. The light is actually life (John 1:4). It is the life, which gives you the light. Thus the life is the source of the light giving you the ability to perceive the life. Light is an instrument by which the life embraces you. Do you embrace the light or does the life embrace you through the light? Since Jesus is the light and the life it does not matter. It is HIM. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 140

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus moved His ministry to Galilee. The prophet Isaiah, quoted by Matthew, describes the people of Galilee. He writes, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,” (Matthew 4:16). “People” is the subject of this sentence. “Who sat” describes them. The original prophecy (Isaiah 9:2) states, The people who walked in darkness. Evidently Matthew changed the word in order to increase the intensity of their condition. The conquering force of darkness had increased since the original prophecy. The Greek word (kathemai) translated sat is also used to refer to Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. It suggests the image of a person of great authority sitting in a place of great authority. Darkness so encompassed the people they are conquered by darkness and embrace it as their chosen desire. Never discount or treat lightly the impacting, controlling, dominating, inclusive force of sin. The imagery of darkness is very plain. Picture yourself in total darkness! All sense of direction is lost. The fright of the unknown paralyzes you from taking even one step. Every sound is terrifying. It is ultimate death. Perhaps seven hundred years earlier they were walking in darkness; now they are sitting.

Let us rush to the glorious news! They have seen a great light! Jesus came to them! No one else came. Not an abundance of supply or a team of experts came. Only Jesus came. He was the total answer to the great darkness that ruled their lives for hundreds of years. He is the light of God to my life. He is the ability to see. Wisdom and understanding are found in Him alone. He gives me direction. I have seen a great Light. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 139

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Through the first four chapters of Matthew’s Gospel account, he highlights prophecy seven times. Nearly every paragraph is explained in light of the prophetic pronouncement of the Old Testament. He explains Jesus’ departure from Judea to Galilee, the beginning of a new ministry, as a result of that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet (Matthew 4:14). It is startling that the main verb (fulfilled) is in the subjunctive mood. This suggests the idea of “if” or “maybe.” Matthew is not proposing the uncertainty of prophecy. He is stating the element of choice for those participating within the fulfillment of the prophecy. Herod Antipas who imprisoned John the Baptist had a choice and is responsible for this action. Jesus was not forced to move His ministry to Galilee because of this prophecy. The citizens of Nazareth are responsible for their actions in attempting to kill Jesus (Luke 4:29).

In the circumstances of my life, I have a choice. It is true, God has a plan. Jesus is intimately involved in those plans; in fact, Jesus is the plan. He does not have a plan apart from us; He came to embrace us in the fulfillment of the plan. However, all of this is contingent upon my response to Him. Why would I not want to respond to Him? Everything outside of Him is death; it is in Him I find life. Jesus has a plan; Jesus is the plan; Jesus, the plan, indwells me. I am in the middle of the flowing plan of God in Jesus. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 138

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am Jesus pusher!!! Jesus moved His ministry from Judea to Galilee upon hearing John the Baptist was imprisoned. Matthew clearly states this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet (Matthew 4:14). The main verb of this statement (fulfilled) is in the subjunctive mood. This suggests the idea of “if” or “maybe.” Matthew is highlighting the “choice” or “free will” of men; he is not undermining the certainty of prophecy. What God speaks is as certain as the very character and nature of God. Sometimes God speaks; therefore, it is true. But often God speaks because it is true. God speaks; worlds are created. But God also recognizes the responsibility of man. God speaks not to cause man’s actions, but knowing man’s actions. This is true for the Scriptures. Things are not true because they are in the Scriptures. They are in the Scriptures because they are true. God is speaking the Scriptures through His knowledge of all things. There is no doubt about the certainty of the Scriptures or prophecy.

This declares God’s plan is secure. Jesus is this plan. The Jewish leaders can plot against Him; the Roman soldiers can crucify Him; John the Baptist can be imprisoned; you and I can disbelieve Him. It simply does not change the plan. The certainty of the plan does not rest upon my choice or response; it depends upon the character of God. Jesus, the plan, is the declaration of the character of God. He is the plan for my life; I will not miss Him. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 137

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! There are many great “I am” statements of Jesus. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life,” (John 14:6). Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM,” (John 8:58). Jesus said, “I am the bread of life,” (John 6:48). Jesus said to them, “I am the good shepherd,” (John 10:11). He also said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep,” (John 10:7). In each of these statements, Jesus is stating who He is. But notice, it is a statement of who He is in connection with us. He is only the door of the sheep because we are His sheep. He is the way because I desperately need direction for my life. He is the truth because I am lost in confusion. He is the great I AM because there is no eternal life for me without Him. The fact of these various needs is my life does not create or cause them in Him. He is these things without me and before me. The fact I need eternal life does not make Him the great I AM. He is the great I AM who created me in His image. Therefore, because of who He is, I can become. He is the way whether I exist or not. However, I was created by Him in His likeness; therefore, He is my way.

God has a plan; it is Jesus. Everything that makes me the complete person I was created to be is found in Jesus. Therefore, Jesus is the plan for my life. Outside of Him there is nothing but chaos, destruction, and dismay. He is where I belong. I live in Him, the plan of God. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 136

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! God has an awesome plan. Jesus is the plan! Let me illustrate this with the young man who is desperately in love. His dream is not simply of a person to maintain his household; he could hire a maid for such a purpose. His plan is not just someone to “mother” his future children; he could hire a nanny. His wish is not just for companionship; he could secure an escort. At the core of his nature and being is all we conceive in marriage. It is all the above only with the cement of intimacy and oneness. It is not a plan he has which someone else can fulfill in his absence. Love demands the presence of the young man in the midst of the plan and dream. In fact, in a real sense, he is the plan.

Jesus is the plan and dream of God! The plan is not a project; the plan is not a venture. The plan is not an attempt or experiment. God does not have a plan apart from us. He descended from His throne to become one of us. Now we see that He is the dream and the plan. Everything God dreamed for us is found in Jesus. I am to be found in Him. In speaking of the fulfillment of the plan, Jesus said, “I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you,” (John 14:20). This is the ultimate of relationship. Love is fulfilled in oneness. While we may care for the house, watch over the children, and cook the meals, we are in the embrace of the One who loves us. We are in His plan. Jesus is the plan. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 135

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! The ministry of Jesus in Galilee was focused on the purpose of God. It is proven by the prophecy given by Isaiah hundreds of years before it happened (Matthew 4:14). God had a plan; Jesus is the plan! He is not like the owner of a large factory who employees hundreds of men. The owner will never meet these men; they are simply a means to an end. God’s plan is Jesus; there is personal involvement in my life with Him. If this is not true, He could not be the plan. Jesus going to Galilee fulfilled (pleroo) what God prophesied through Isaiah. This Greek word paints the picture of an empty container. Content is placed into the empty container. The container is quickly filled, completed, or overflowing with the content. In this passage, the container is the dream in the heart of God. This dream is an intimate part of the very nature of God. To discard this dream would be to discard who He is. If this plan is not accomplished, He is left empty and unfulfilled. Jesus is found in the dream of the heart of God. Jesus is the plan.

If I miss Jesus, I miss everything that fulfills the heart of God. If I am not intimate with Jesus, I am not intimate with the heart of God. If I am not sourced by Jesus, I miss the righteousness of the heart of God. If I do not embrace Jesus, I miss the embrace of the heart of God. I must run to Jesus! There is no other place to which I can turn. In the person of Jesus I find my destiny, the plan. Jesus is where I belong; He is home! There is safety in Him; He is the haven of my soul! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 134

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus received the news that John the Baptist was in prison. The projection was that he would be beheaded. Jesus immediately moved from Judea to Galilee to start a new ministry. In Galilee, He went down to His hometown Nazareth. But due to the negative reception there, He moved His home to Capernaum. One could project a lot of reasons why this took place. Was Jesus responding out of fear? Was He protecting Himself from hard times? Matthew is very bold in telling us the purpose of these decisions. He writes, “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,” (Matthew 4:14). This is not an isolated statement. In the first four chapters of this Gospel, Matthew makes seven distinct references to prophecy. It is his pattern to stop in the midst of relating a story and refer to prophecy. Matthew is highlighting the purpose or plan God is accomplishing in this moment.

These events are not random or coincidence. From the Christmas story to John the Baptist to the Galilean ministry, Jesus is the focus of the plan. God is in charge and nothing will thwart the plan; Jesus is the plan. Things may look dark for Mary and Joseph as they flee to Egypt; but they are included in the plan, Jesus! John the Baptist may be depressed in a dungeon cell; but he is in the midst of the plan, Jesus! Do not question it! You and I are in the plan. Don’t stray from the plan! This is why I am a Jesus pusher!!! He is the plan; He has included me. Don’t miss the plan.

Jesus Pusher 133

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus left Judea in order to minister in Galilee (Matthew 4:12). There was a great need in Galilee. How could it be adequately described? The prophet states it as: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned,” (Matthew 4:16). This is very strong Biblical language. It establishes contrasts. There is light and darkness; there is light and the region and shadow of death. The Jews in Jerusalem had an abundance of light. The scribes of the Scriptures and the temple with the very presence of God were among them. The great movements of God came to them. An angel appeared in the temple to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:8-25). Even the shepherds in this area saw the angels at the birth of Christ. Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem with the announcement. God had showered Judea with His light.

Now the Light is going to Galilee. Up to this time Galilee has been bombarded by darkness. The trade routes brought hundreds of people into their region spreading darkness. The prophet expands the contrast from darkness to death. The ultimate goal and result of darkness is death. But Light had dawned! Jesus has come! To every dark place of my life, He is the light. He did not send the light or describe the light. It is not a theology or meditation technique. He is the Light. I embrace Him and I see. All is exposed and I am well! I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 132

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus ministered alongside John the Baptist for a brief period of time. When John was taken to prison, Jesus moved His ministry to Galilee. He loved the people of Judea. He wept over the city of Jerusalem. Jesus used the imagery of a hen gathering her chicks under her wing. This was His desire for them; but they would not (Matthew 23:37). He made them aware of judgment, but did it through tears and regret. They had the startling opportunity of embracing Him at His birth in Bethlehem; but they were indifferent. They soon lost their opportunity to know their King. He began His ministry among them, but quickly moved on to Galilee. One more time they lost their opportunity.

How many times has He has come to me? Has He wept over me, crying out with the desire to gather me to His protection? Has He whispered His message in my ear again and again? How many times have I resisted? How many chances have I already missed? I will miss them no longer! I am crying out to Him for deliverance from my indifference. I want the hard shell of my heart to become tender. I desperately desire to hear the whisper of His instruction in my inner heart. I will place all other voices on mute in order to hear Him alone. No other influence, no other agenda, and no other resource will be sought. He is my all in all! My heart is sensitive to His call. He embraces me. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 131

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Manley) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Upon the imprisonment of John the Baptist, Jesus moved His ministry to Galilee (Matthew 4:12, 13). It would have been politically correct to minister in Jerusalem, befriend the leaders of Israel, and become known in the temple. Jesus could have correctly claimed Judea as His home place; He was born in Bethlehem. But He did not; He went to Galilee. The Galileans were His people; He was raised among them. Their fishing and farming culture was His. He identified with their political struggles; He understood their economic circumstances. He spoke with their accent; He enjoyed their music. He was one of them!

I have this same personal connection to Jesus. He came from my hometown, speaks with my accent, and was raised in my environment. How can Jesus do this for all of us? A friend of mine shared with me this vision. Jesus was sitting on the throne of His Kingdom. My friend was sitting next to Him. My friend seemed so small; in fact, his feet stretched out straight on the chair as if he were a child. He asked Jesus, “Are we alone?” Jesus laughed and said, “No, there are millions of people all around.” With a wave of His hand He corrected my friend’s vision so all were seen. “Why are they not sitting beside you as I am?” was his next question. Jesus answered, “They are!” Let me assure you of your special connection to Him. He has your color of skin, your history, and knows your need. He is from your hometown. When He comes to where you are, He has come home! I am a Jesus pusher!!!