The other biblical example where God's intention for cities is found relates to Jonah and the city of Nineveh. Jonah got reprimanded for his lack of compassion for this city. (Jh 4:11) Then we know after he repented, God brought about repentance and a revival in that pagan city, resulting in a people who followed Him and His purposes.

God felt compassion for thousands who did not know their right hand from their left; He was referring to innocent children who would suffer along with the city's adults. He even mentioned animals, indicating the breadth of His compassion and His concern for the economical development of that city, which was related to the animals. God was saying, that He had concern for the future wellbeing of this great city and its people and so should you Jonah, as one of my chosen servants. That was Jonah's biggest mistake; his lack of compassion and concern for the city. How's your compassion and concern for your village, town or city?

As God's gift to our city, it's our work - our good work in God, to look out for the welfare of God's creation in our city.

Remember how Jesus himself wanted to embrace Jerusalem; He wanted it to know His providence, His protection and His provision...(even true peace Lk 19:42).  In Lk 13: 34, we see how Jesus sought to embrace Jerusalem. Like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, Jesus wanted to gather them to himself.  However they refused this visitation. They in fact rejected the Bridegroom's loving embrace.

Today, it's still Jesus' desire through His church (us) to reach out to our communities and our cities. And it's the church that determines whether or not our cities and its people, experience Christ's embrace.  In other words, He's saying, (Lk 13:35) because you have rejected my embrace your house (our relationships, our provision, our protection, our systems, even the environment) will be left desolate. 

In Lk 19 41-44 we see the extent of the desolation that Jerusalem finally experienced. The AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem demonstrates the true extent of this prophecy by Jesus.

As Jesus calls His church today to embrace our city, I'm sure you are like me, in that I do not want to experience a desolation similar to Jerusalem. Therefore we need to push beyond just seeking a visitation, but to work together towards a habitation.  Visitation is a season where the presence of God is manifested in our city, at work, among His people in our marriages, families and communities and in the congregations. A revival.

Where we see the good fruit of souls saved, backsliders returning to God, as well as unity and works of service and kindness being evident in our communities. These are all signs of God's visitation. 

Habitation however unlike visitation, is not short term but long term. It is where whole communities are transformed from one generation to another. Where significant life and societal change takes place because of the impact of God's grace. (30 years Maquata mountain on the outskirts of Cairo / 15 years for the city of Almolonga in Guatemala Central America / and 15 years for a jail system in Argentina.)

But we must be prepared and not give up at the first sign of resistance, difficulty or obstacle.  We need to create a place for God amongst us.  Similar to the, 2 Kings 4 story of how the Shunammite woman got Elisha's attention. She had perception and took action that led to blessings. Not satisfied with just the prophet's visitation, she set about to create a habitation on the part of the man of God. Overwhelmed by her kindness, he asks, what he could do for her.  She understood she was barren and needed a son. In someway our cities are barren and in need of a similar experience. Imagine if Jesus was so moved by us that like the prophet, He would say, I will do something for the church in this city. Can we, like the woman in this story, create an atmosphere for habitation and make our lives and communities irresistible to Jesus?  Like the woman who was well off, we too are very prosperous and not in need of anything, but to answer Jesus when he asks, "What can I do for you", our reply would be, "We do not need anything, but for You to come and dwell in our city in all Your fullness". We just need a birth of your spirit to inhabit our community.

You see in Jesus' weeping for Jerusalem, that He was concerned for the welfare of the people in that city. They were His main concern. The ultimate source of wellbeing for people in any city of course, is to come under the loving rule of their saviour and King Jesus. They had missed their day of visitation.  In this day we need to work at becoming, a "Would-city" rather than "Would-Not" city.  

You see it's the church (in our spheres of marriage, family, work, tribe and nation) who determine whether people in our communities will or will not experience the full embrace of Christ.

In Matt 5:14-16, Jesus says we are the light of the world and that we are to shine in such a way that others will see our good works and praise our Father in heaven.  In Jn 14:12 it suggests that our works as the church, will have greater impact on the whole of creation and society. Let me explain it in a very simple way.

If you are a cleaning person you are not just a cleaner, "your service (work of cleaning) is building Christ in you, so that you can impact the Kingdom of God in your world."  When we, as members of God's church serve Him faithfully, we live out the reality of His Kingdom influences - now. You see what we do does not just build our program or work or the ministry of the congregation, but it also establishes more and more the Kingdom of God in our city and society.

It's obedience like this as His child of Grace, in smaller areas of service that makes the larger impact in our communities and cities possible. Yes, the whole city, but we all play a vital role in seeing His will come about in our spheres of influence as one by one we say yes to God's plan as He seeks to reach our communities through us.  Whatever expression it might take.

We are to be, ‘salt, leaven and the light,' to our cities... in our circles of influence.  In this way, we will be the gift that God intended us to be.

Yes, let's pray for a Jesus visitation to our city. However, let's not stop at a season of visitation, let's plan and work like the Shunnamite woman, for a holy habitation.

That means for us to be prepared now; to take action now; and to seek in all our ways to allow His Kingdom to come through all that we say and do.

We, the church of Jesus Christ, are God's gift to our city and its people.