I like to listen to sermons on mp3 during my commute. Today I listened to Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC speak about “The City.” It was fascinating!
Combining verses from Jeremiah 29, Isaiah 26, and Matthew 5, Pastor Keller wove an interesting tapestry of the way we are to be in community. Jeremiah’s words to the Israelites in captivity: Build houses, raise families, and work for the peace and prosperity of the cities in which you live. Isaiah’s words: We are part of a city that is built of salvation. Those who follow the Lord are a city within the city. Jesus’ words in Matthew: You are a city on a hill.
Keller’s tapestry looks like this: A Christian is to become part of his city. In the way George Bailey poured himself into Bedford Falls, we are to pour ourselves into our communities. We are to give of our time, money, and energy to make our cities peaceful and prosperous. We are to look out for those in need–feeding the hungry, tending the sick, and clothing the naked. Then and only then can we connect with God’s power and truly make a difference. It’s not about just giving money. It’s about becoming the kind of people, though different from the culture, that the culture is glad to see succeed.
I’m afraid Christians in this country have largely forgotten (or never learned) this.
