looking for a city

Hebrews 11:8-12

The key words in this paragraph are: faith (repeated four times), obeyed, promise. The focus of this section is Abraham, with a minor focus on Sarah. The author contrasts the temporary nature of Abraham's (as well as Isaac's and Jacob's) sojourn in the land to the permanent nature of the city that they were looking forward to. There is a comparison, or word-play, between the faith of Abraham and Sarah and the faithfulness of God: "By faith Sarah... considered him faithful."
The focus of this section is that Abraham's faith moved him to obedience even though he didn't see the whole picture. In fact, Genesis 12 and Hebrews 11:8 make it clear that he obeyed without knowing where he was eventually going to end up. This section also makes it clear that the Promised Land was not the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise. Abraham understood that the Promised Land was just the beginning and was temporary - there was still a permanent city that was to come. Revelations 21 describes this city for us. I look forward to the same thing that Abraham looked forward to in faith.
This passage speaks of God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promise even in the face of the impossible. He fulfilled his promise to Abraham even though Sarah was old and barren and Abraham was as good as dead. This tells me that nothing will stand in the way of God fulfilling his promises and his purposes in this world. Even though a thousand people and circumstances will stand in the way and logic demands that it is impossible, God still has the ability to work in and through and beyond circumstances. This is the faith that Abraham had. It is the faith that I can have as well. For example, it seems impossible that a birth family would choose us when they see that we are planning to move in six months. However, if God's plan is that we would adopt again, he will not allow that deadline to stop him. Today I trust the God who works in impossible circumstances.

Should I Not Be Concerned?

Jonah 4:1-11

This takes place after Jonah has gone to Nineveh and warned them that God's judgement was going to fall on them. The population responded by repenting and mourning and God had mercy on the city and did not bring his judgement on it. Jonah gets all pouty. He tells God, "I knew that's what you were going to do!" He makes it clear that he really wanted Nineveh to be destroyed - in fact that's the reason he didn't want to go in the first place. Most preachers I've heard say that Jonah didn't want to go to Nineveh because he was scared: it was a violent city and had a reputation for doing nasty things to people who where from Israel and claimed to speak on behalf of God. The reality is, Jonah didn't want to go to Nineveh because he didn't want them to repent and experience God's mercy. Which is sort of ironic since Jonah had just been shown incredible mercy himself.
This reminds me of some of the preaching and talk I've heard from Christians. Particularly in regards to Hollywood (which is especially relevant since that's where I'm headed this summer), it seems that they are gleefully waiting for God to pour out his judgement on the people there. God makes it clear to Jonah and to the rest of us that he is very concerned for the people who live in Nineveh and in Hollywood and in Ottawa and anywhere else that judgement junkies like to turn their attention. If God is so concerned about the great cities and the people who live there, then, as his child, I think I should be as well.
Father, please give me your heart of compassion for the people - even those who are directly opposed to your message, standard and kingdom. Remind me often of how much I have been forgiven and let me extend that same grace, forgiveness and mercy to others in your name.