Amy and I returned home recently from a week in Manhattan. New York is a great city in many ways, but in other ways, it reminds me of ancient Nineveh. It’s a center of both U.S. and global culture. Whatever you’re looking for, you can probably find it in the city. There are many expressions of religion but little light. Many historical representations of the Christian faith have sacrificed truth on the altar of cultural accommodation.
I do not mean to insensate that there are not many God-fearing pastors and churches who, like Elijah, serve the Lord faithfully in this challenging context. Indeed, many (thousands) uncompromisingly serve here even though it is a difficult place to live and minister.
Nor am I saying that New York is unique. The same could be said of large and small towns in the Bible Belt and beyond. It’s just more visible in a place like New York. If anything, it is simply a concentrated manifestation of the brokenness of our broader society.
“However, my response is not one of despair. Rather, my observations drive me to my knees as I cry out, “Oh God, bring more gospel hope to this city!”However, my response is not one of despair. Instead, my observations drive me to my knees as I cry, “Oh God, bring more gospel hope to this city!”
“I do not call down curses like Jonah did. Instead, with the heart of God as my guide, I pray and ask others to do likewise, “Should not I pity…this great city, in which there are more than eight million people?” Jonah 4:11 (contextual application).”I do not call down curses like Jonah did. Instead, with the heart of God as my guide, I pray and ask others to do likewise, “Should not I pity…this great city, in which there are more than eight million people?” Jonah 4:11 (contextual application).
In the natural, it seems hopeless, but with God, all things are possible!