Day 33: Tale of Two Cities
Passage: Genesis 4:11-26; Isaiah 25:5-26:6
Link to Lent 2016 Vimeo Channel

Transcription of the video above:

Genesis and Isaiah tell us a tale of two cities: the city of God and the city of Man. In Genesis 4:11-26, as we trace the descendants of Cain and by studying the city they created, we see the violence and oppression that resulted from turning away from God – including the Bible’s first instance of polygamy. However, we also see that God has not given up on humanity. God has a vision for a different kind of city – a city built on worship and grace instead of self-aggrandizement and power.

In Isaiah 25:5-26:6, the prophet Isaiah also talks about two different cities. The city of God is divine, available through salvation, and based on peace and joy. The city of Man is human, self-created, and based on pride and accomplishment. Christians are called to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, both in prayer and as servants of society. We are called to submit to the government in which we abide and to live in peace with everyone whenever possible. We are called to be bi-cultural. God does not want us to either assimilate or segregate. He wants us to become part of the city, to pray for the city and seek its peace and prosperity. Yet, God also insists that His people retain their distinctiveness and not compromise their allegiance to Him. Christians are called to love the city of man for the sake of the city of God. They are to look forward to the final and eternal heavenly city where the trials of this world will cease. Which city do you belong to – the city of God or the city of Man?