It was a time of abundance like there had never been seen before. For seven straight years, there was an abundance of food and everybody was living like kings. Then it happened. The drought began. The food had run out, even for those who had prepared and set food aside during the time of abundance. But not in Egypt. Because of Joseph's foresight and planning there was food in the cities. Everybody was going to the city to find a way to survive.
Simarly today, people are flooding to the city. Some come to the city to find a way to survive. Some come to the city to make their fortune or to become famous. Some come to the city hoping for a better life. Some come to the city to find work.
In Jacob's day, the people can to the cities of Egypt to find food. Today, the people come for many reasons. But whatever the reason, the church has something to offer. We share with the people the treasures of God. We have the true treasure that moth cannot eat nor rust destroy. We have the message of the Bread of Life. We share the certainty that because we are children of God we are heirs of God's kingdom and are rich indeed.
Whenever someone come of the street looking for help, I hope that you remember this. You have something better than what the person is looking for. You have been entrusted with what that person really needs. You have a treasure that does not waste away. You share the word of God, which is eternal. You share the message of peace and restoration. which does not change. You show the love of God, which we all so desperately need. Remember that for that person you are God's treasure in the city.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pray for the City
I love the city. How many times have you said that or heard somebody say that? Or have you said it yourself? What does it mean when somebody says "I love the city"? Typically it means that the person loves what the city has to offer- museums, restaurants, sports, the arts, or the multicultural mix. On the contrary, you may also hear people say, "I hate the city." What is it that they don't like? Traffic, crime, pollution, or too many people!
In today's reading, it seemed as though Abraham loved the city of Sodom, or at least the people in it. When he heard about God's plan to destroy Sodom, he began to plead its case. But notice how Abraham prayed to God. He did not ask God to spare it because of the great things that the city had to offer. He prayed for the people.
For us in ministry, this is who we are to pray for. Notice that Abraham's prayer was never so narrow that he just prayed for his relatives. In our prayers, we often pray for our family, friends, and church family. But our vision needs to be bigger. We need to pray for those around us. In the city, the people around our church might be some rough characters. But they are rough characters for whom Christ died and for whom he rose.
I pray that our love for the city goes beyond the superficial. I hope that we would look at the city and see the people who need to escape the chains of destruction by a sinful life. I hope that you see the people for whom Christ died so that they can be free. I hope that you pray for the churches in the city so that continue to be concerned for those around them and bring them the message that can set them free. Please pray that the righteous people would fulfill their calling and share the message of the God who gives them life.
In today's reading, it seemed as though Abraham loved the city of Sodom, or at least the people in it. When he heard about God's plan to destroy Sodom, he began to plead its case. But notice how Abraham prayed to God. He did not ask God to spare it because of the great things that the city had to offer. He prayed for the people.
For us in ministry, this is who we are to pray for. Notice that Abraham's prayer was never so narrow that he just prayed for his relatives. In our prayers, we often pray for our family, friends, and church family. But our vision needs to be bigger. We need to pray for those around us. In the city, the people around our church might be some rough characters. But they are rough characters for whom Christ died and for whom he rose.
I pray that our love for the city goes beyond the superficial. I hope that we would look at the city and see the people who need to escape the chains of destruction by a sinful life. I hope that you see the people for whom Christ died so that they can be free. I hope that you pray for the churches in the city so that continue to be concerned for those around them and bring them the message that can set them free. Please pray that the righteous people would fulfill their calling and share the message of the God who gives them life.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Building walls Genesis 11:1-9
When I lived in New York City, I lived in the city that had 4 buildings that at one time or another was the tallest building in the world. While living in Chicago, the Sears tower towered over everything else in the city and for a while the world. People love to build large buildings.
That was also the case is days of old. The plain of Shinar was the site of perhaps the first skyscraper. Unlike the modern day skyscraper, this one was made of bricks and tar. The goal of this tower was to make a statement: "so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the earth." What is interesting is that was the result. They did make a name for themselves, maybe infamous but a name nonetheless. They were also scattered over the face of the earth.
What was wrong with what these people did that God reacted in this fashion?
First, they walled themselves in and tried to cut themselves off from God. Second, they wanted to be on an even playing field with God. Third, they let their pride govern their actions. Finally, they put themselves above God's judgment.
In our churches, we need to avoid these pitfalls. Many times the city church will try to insulate itself from the people around them and see their ministry just for the members of the church. Second, we try to build our towers to God rather than use the bridges that God has given to us by which he comes to us. Third, we forget the church belongs to the Lord and that it is not our little kingdom. Fourth, we do not humble ourselves before God and His word.
Babel is still well known today because of its great fall. Let us take the lessons from Babel and learn from them. We are called to serve the city. Remember that we are protected by God, who is a mighty fortress. We fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. The church is built by God and that Christ is our foundation. We are living stones that are built into a spiritual house for a life of service.
That was also the case is days of old. The plain of Shinar was the site of perhaps the first skyscraper. Unlike the modern day skyscraper, this one was made of bricks and tar. The goal of this tower was to make a statement: "so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the earth." What is interesting is that was the result. They did make a name for themselves, maybe infamous but a name nonetheless. They were also scattered over the face of the earth.
What was wrong with what these people did that God reacted in this fashion?
First, they walled themselves in and tried to cut themselves off from God. Second, they wanted to be on an even playing field with God. Third, they let their pride govern their actions. Finally, they put themselves above God's judgment.
In our churches, we need to avoid these pitfalls. Many times the city church will try to insulate itself from the people around them and see their ministry just for the members of the church. Second, we try to build our towers to God rather than use the bridges that God has given to us by which he comes to us. Third, we forget the church belongs to the Lord and that it is not our little kingdom. Fourth, we do not humble ourselves before God and His word.
Babel is still well known today because of its great fall. Let us take the lessons from Babel and learn from them. We are called to serve the city. Remember that we are protected by God, who is a mighty fortress. We fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. The church is built by God and that Christ is our foundation. We are living stones that are built into a spiritual house for a life of service.
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