God's city

Today: Ezekiel 46-48

"You're the God of this city. You're the king of these people. You're the Lord of this nation. You are." If you've ever heard Chris Tomlin's "God of This City," these lyrics may sound familiar.

But have you ever thought about what it would be like...what it would really be like...if God was the God of your city?

In today's passage, God continues to give the prophet Ezekiel a vision of His city. As you read it, keep in mind that this vision took place at a time when God's people were far from Him--and while they were in exile in other countries. At the end of today's chapters, here are the words that stood out to me:

"From now on the name of the city will be Yahweh-Shammah:
"God-Is-There."

Can you imagine what Ezekiel felt in that moment?

God showed Him a picture of a beautiful, restored city--while the real city was abandoned and in ruins.

Here are a few of the things I thought about when I read today's chapters:

• God had a vision for the city beyond its current state--He saw potential.
  
• Today, there are a lot of Christians who pray for their cities, but how many have asked God to give them a vision for their cities? Even beyond that--how many Christians have taken action to make a positive difference in their communities?
  

Real, lasting change starts with vision--and a vision that leads to action.

Tomorrow: Daniel 1-3

When God's on your doorstep

Today: Luke 19-20

What would you do if God showed up on your doorstep?

I'm not gonna lie...I would probably freak out a little.

I might have a reaction like a former roommate did during our senior year at college. We had an open house and one of the cutest guys on campus showed up. Unexpectedly. My former roomie opened the door and simply said (with wide eyes), "Whoa!...Hi."

She then proceeded to the kitchen and pulled another roommate aside, "You're not going to believe it!" she said, "So-and-So is here!!!"

"Did you let him in?" my other, ever-calm roommate asked.

"Oops! I guess I kind of forgot..."

(The poor cute guy was probably left a little dumbfounded on our doorstep...completely clueless about what was happening inside.)

If God showed up on my doorstep, I might have that reaction...or something like those one of those people on Publishers' Clearing House who goes into absolute hysterics, hyperventilating and/or passing out.

Or I might be eerily calm (this is probably the most likely scenario). I'd say something like, "Wow--thanks for stopping by...", while absolutely FREAKING OUT internally, wracking my brain trying to figure out what to say, what to serve, and what to clean.

In today's passage, I thought it was interesting that there were several references to God's personal visits. Did you notice? (I'll be honest, I hadn't really connected them this way before.)

First, Jesus calls out Zacchaeus, a vertically challenged tax collector, and invites himself over to Zacchaeus' house. This completely infuriated most people (not just the religious leaders) because Zacchaeus was considered a crook.

I love how Jesus chose to go to Zach's house. He didn't care that it made people upset or uncomfortable--Zach was lost and Jesus came to connect with people exactly like him.

The other reference to one of God's personal visits is later in the chapter. It's a little different, though. Jesus spots the city of Jerusalem, weeps and says:

"If you had only recognized this day,

and everything that was good for you!

But now it's too late.

In the days ahead your enemies

are going to bring up their heavy artillery

and surround you,

pressing in from every side.

They'll smash you

and your babies on the pavement.

Not one stone will be left intact.

All this because you didn't recognize

and welcome God's personal visit."

Honestly, I had a tough time with this quote (the graphic depiction of smashing babies on the pavement completely grossed me out...and if you can't tell by now, I definitely know how to imagine!). The words sound harsh and graphic, but remember--Jesus is weeping for the city. I don't think this is a curse as much as it is prophetic insight about the effects of not recognizing or welcoming "God's personal visit."

I wonder how often God personally visits you, me and our cities?

I know Jesus (God in flesh) isn't walking around the planet right now as a human being ringing doorbells in your development...but how many times has He been trying to talk to us, teach us, or show us something?

I don't know how to answer that question. But I know from the story of Zachhaeus that sometimes He wants to come and visit with imperfect people (like us) who need Him.

We may feel unworthy or unprepared, but He just might show up anyway. I hope I don't just say, "Whoa--hi!" and leave Him hanging out on the doorstep. I hope that I open my eyes, ears and heart and welcome Him home.

Tomorrow: Luke 21-22