Building One Another

HEART FOR THE CITY Vol 13 No 15

September 16, 2014

Dear Friend,

Imagine what it would mean to have a “heart for your city.” Such a heart would include:

¨          a great hunger for your city to awaken to the love of Jesus Christ

¨          a vision for what your city could become

¨          an awareness of the greatest needs in your city

¨          a passion to see your city build up its people

¨          a zeal to see Christ honored in your city’s life together

The Lord said to Jeremiah, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7*

The exiled people of God were commanded to see the welfare of and pray for the city to which they had been sent (Babylon).

Jesus lamented, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Luke 13:34 (emphasis added) 

Do you sense the heaviness of heart, the deep desire, the weeping of Jesus over the city and the people He loves? 

A heart for the city is to have God’s own heart to gather the people together, to heal the wounds of the city, to give all a future and a hope. 

May Jesus give you his vision for your city or the community in which you live.  Pray for it daily.  Seek its welfare.  Allow God’s heart for your city to fill your heart.

Joy to you - E. Stanley Ott
Copyright 2014 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the NRSV