In the recent Banner of Truth Magazine, Mark G. Johnston wrote a moving editorial based on the Jonah story. I thought I’d quote its powerful conclusion as a reminder what we are about as an urban city!
The air of hopelessness that hangs over nearly every big city throughout the world is a testimony in itself to the need for a message of true and lasting hope. People flock to cities in hope of employment, in search of pleasure, or out of a longing for friendship; but it is never long before their hopes are dashed, and their dreams turn into nightmares. It is a mark of God’s mercy and love that he does not simply abandon such people to their hopelessness and despair. The fact that he even speaks to them at all – even with a message of warning – is a sign of his grace. It reminds us, in the words of another prophet, that God is always a God who in ‘wrath remembers mercy’ (Hab. 3:2).
Cities are not places for Christians to abandon with the pious justification, ‘They’ve got what they asked for!’ Cities are places filled with people – real people, people God has made and in whom he has invested real potential. Cities are places that God cares for, despite their ugliness and sin.
So, the church needs to ask itself the question again, ‘Who cares about the city?’ If God cares about the urban millions, so should we; and if He is able to use a somewhat pathetic prophet to convert them in their thousands, then there should be many more pathetic prophets lining up for service in every generation!
Mark G Johnston
