Key Bible Verse: Work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon (Jeremiah 29:7). Bonus Reading: Psalm 82:3-4

Then it dawned on me. These suburban Christians, steeped in individualism, could only understand a vision for the rebirth of a community through the lens of saving souls and adding to the church rolls. Reclaiming dangerous streets, regenerating fallen systems, transforming corrupted political power were aspects of God's redeeming work in the world omitted from their biblical teaching.

It would be wrong to diminish in any way the wonder of God's transforming work in the heart of a man. It would be equally wrong to devalue the importance of worship. But there's more to salvation than the saving of an individual soul. Redemption also has societal implications. Closing down a crack house that is destroying the lives of youth is at least as redemptive as rescuing a child from its clutches. Organizing a crime watch to eliminate break-ins is an important part of establishing the shalom that God desires for all His creation. People of faith must be engaged in transforming places as well as people.

The love of neighbor—not a small concern to God—is better seen and more effectual on the streets where we live than behind the walls where we worship.

—Robert Lupton in Renewing the City

My Response: What do we need to do to improve our community?

Thought to Apply: It is good and right that we reach into the river of despair and rescue people who are drowning. But it is time to move upstream and see who's throwing them in.—EDMOND BROWNING (New York minister)

Adapted from Renewing the City (InterVarsity, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You warned us about being flavorless salt or concealed light. Help us penetrate our communities with Your love and justice.

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