“When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted…” Proverbs 11:10-11
How can we capture our cities for Christ? In the process, could our municipalities move more toward institutions of integrity? Perhaps it starts with each one of us who claim Jesus Christ as Savior. It is up to us to first get down on our knees, and get down to business with our Heavenly Father. The people of God make up the city of God. It is through our confession and repentance of sin, that the city is set up for blessings from the Lord.
A city is not meant to be a passive party to the ways of wickedness. Daniel understood this, and prayed this passionate prayer for his city, “O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us” (Daniel 9:16).
Indeed, a city movement for Christ is birthed out of passionate prayer and brokenness. Jesus cried out for His city, “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it…”(Luke 19:41). Our tears become a tool of the Holy Spirit to transform us, and others. There is healing as sorrow turns to joy. The early church rejoiced over this unleashing of the Lord’s power, “So there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:8).
Lastly, a city moved along by the Holy Spirit becomes a shining light of its Savior Jesus. He exalts the community on His hill of hope for all to see, to believe, and to be saved. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). So, we solemnly ask, “Have I claimed my city for Christ? Am I part of His movement?
Related Readings: Genesis 41:38-42; Isaiah 16:5; Acts 13:44; Acts 16:13-15
Transformational Living
Whom can I invite to passionately pray with me over our city’s movement toward God?
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My thoughts!
This is an amazing thought that I've never thought about before! I live the thought that A city on a hill cannot be hidden! We, as Christians, should too want to be like the city on the hill.
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