Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

4 4 4 /

F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

This devotion focuses on the role of the city in the redemptive mission of God, and especially God’s own adoption of the city as his picture of the abode of the redeemed and glorified saints in fellowship with God. The image of the city in the Bible is dual, not single: it is seen both as the epitome of rebellion and autonomy, while, at the same time, is it adopted by God as the place of his presence and the final destination of the saints. Ryken speaks to this negative sense and view of the city concisely and persuasively. Regarding the Bible’s portrayal of the city as a place of rebellion, he argues: Standing on the threshold of NT literature, the image of the city in the OT can be seen as two-fold. In the creation that God established there is one city to be built. That city will extend the glory of God throughout the earth. Humanity exercises autonomy, wresting the city from divine service and to self-glorification. From that point on the city is a symbol of that rebellion. Those who ally themselves with it align themselves against God. Those who look to God are patient wanderers, waiting in faith for him to establish his city. In the theocracy the city of Jerusalem takes on the character of the city of God. But in its failure to reflect its heavenly counterpart, it is swept away for the coming of that counterpart in its consummate form. The city itself is neither good nor bad; its identity depends on the spiritual state of its inhabitants: “By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked” (Prov 11.11 RSV; cf. also v. 10). As you will see with the students as you go through the materials in this lesson, you will see that this negative view of the city expresses the heart of much of the biblical materials on the city. It is seen as the birthplace of rebellion, disobedience, resistance to God’s will. It is with great amazement, therefore, that we see the image of the city completely transformed in the Scriptures. Rather than being condemned for being the product of diseased and corrupted human imagination, the city is embraced by God as his own symbol of the place where his honor and people dwell. ~ Leland Ryken. The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery . (electronic ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. p 153.

2 Page 123 Devotion