Having managed cities in my past, I have a unique perspective as to the problems commonly experienced. We’ve all seen examples of once-great cities that have declined. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, and London were never godly, but they were admired for their outward beauty. I recall that during the early 2000s, New York City reduced the overall crime rate dramatically. This was celebrated as a major achievement, despite the ongoing presence of evil.
Several years ago, I attended a conference in Portland, Oregon. The city enjoys a pleasant setting along the banks of the Willamette River. The main gathering spot in the city, Pioneer Square, was a striking blend of green spaces, historic architecture, and commerce. Shops of all kinds lined the perimeter of the Square. Many of those shops have since closed due to factors such as the pandemic, violent crime, homelessness, street camping and the residue it leaves behind, not to mention rioting and retail theft. My point is that the most admired cities suffer degrees of chaos and confusion, as opposed to cities of God.
Consider the future of human societies as described in Isaiah 24. Some Bible translations give the following headline: “Impending Judgement on the Earth.” Verses 7-12 specifically illustrate God’s judgement for ongoing and unrepentant human sin: “The new wine fails, the vine languishes, All the merry hearted sigh. The mirth of the tambourine ceases, The noise of the jubilant ends, The joy of the harp ceases. They shall not drink wine with a song; Strong drink is bitter to those who drink it. The city of confusion is broken down; Every house is shut up, so that none may go in. There is a cry for wine in the streets, All joy is darkened, The mirth of the land is gone. In the city desolation is left, And the gate is stricken with destruction.”
We know that God’s judgement on this world is assured, and punishment for our disobedience and lack of sincere repentance will ignore social status, politics, and influence. The moral decay of cities the world typically lauds will not be spared God’s anger. Paris, once referred to as the City of Light, more aptly describes the darkness that defines so many cities. As true Christians, we understand that God’s plan for those He calls cannot be compared to the current state of our governments, no matter how well intentioned they may be.
As a former city manager, I think of the challenges we faced in addressing a multitude of problems. The choices we considered were never easy, but we knew that they were needed to face the problems or suffer the consequences of a bankrupt city. I realize now that God was merciful with me back then when, despite my indifference to His Law, we succeeded in making necessary changes. Yet, despite temporary outward prosperity, success is an illusion if it is not of God. Today, as a repentant Christian, I face challenges in an entirely different manner, striving to place my faith and trust in God.
We contrast the devastation of our cities discussed above with the glorious promise of Isaiah 9:6-7: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given: And the government will be upon His shoulder: And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…”
This is the book and chapter of the Bible that fueled my conversion away from the world because it clearly pictures the future Kingdom of God, and the stunning connection with the New Testament, as mentioned in Luke 2:7-14. This is the story of our God, our Creator, and our soon-coming King and Ruler from the Throne of David in Jerusalem.
Consider an ancient city known for idolatry and opposition to God’s law—Jericho, known as the City of Palms in ancient times. It was situated near the Dead Sea and the West Bank of the Jordan River, and it thrived for a time despite its evil focus. That is until God had enough of the sinfulness and established the region as the land promised for His people. In Deuteronomy 34:1-4, we see the story beginning to unfold: “Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the South, and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, ‘This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants.” I have caused you to see with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’”
We know what became of Sodom and Gomorrah as a result of their sinfulness, as recorded in Genesis 19. Alternatively, we read about the city of God in Psalm 48:1-3: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. God is in her palaces; He is known as her refuge.”
In Psalm 125:1, we read: “Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.” Unlike trying to rebuild our cities at this time, regaining the trust of the public and enticing visitors back into a blighted urban core, true Christians can take heart by focusing instead on the coming perfect spiritual city—the New Jerusalem on the new earth. Consider Revelation 21:2-3: “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
As true Christians, we have been called to obedience, but we have also been called to courage. In the past week our region experienced 100 mph winds, threats of wildfire, and the reality of extended periods without electricity and heating. Mankind’s cities, structures and systems are unbelievably fragile as we’ve all experienced. God’s Kingdom however is hopeful, bright, peaceful and eternal. Let’s focus on that!