THE SET UP
As you drive around, you will see people with a couple kinds of stickers in their car windows. Some have an outline of the state of Iowa and say “Native” inside. Others have the same state outline but they say “Captive” inside. I would like a sticker that says, “Willing Participant.” I love living in Iowa and specifically in Des Moines. It has become home for our family and we love our city. That’s a core value of Journey Church as well. As a church, we love our city and want the very best for it. Our church strives to serve our city and make it a better place. Jesus was moved as He looked at Jerusalem. He saw the pain, the emptiness, and the spiritual lost-ness of the people and He wanted to reach it. May we carry the same attitude when we look at our city and neighborhood.
PASSAGE TO READ
Luke 13:31-35 (Page 627 in our house bibles)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus was filled with lament for Jerusalem?
What does it mean, in your opinion, to love your city? What does it mean individually? For our church?
How has God asked you to love the neighborhood, community, and city you are in?
PRAYER IDEA
Pray for the Des Moines metro area. Pray for specific communities, people, and needs that you are aware of and come to mind.