Embracing Your Authority and Transforming Your City

Introduction:

I hope you like where you are living because where you live on earth now is where you will rule and reign during the 1000-year millennial reign of Christ (I choose Bora, Bora!). In fact, in prayer you are already responsible and capable of ruling in the Spirit this very day! Prayer is not merely a desperate plea or a begging request to a higher power. It is a powerful act of ruling and reigning as believers in the earth. As followers of Christ, we are called to pray for our cities, peoples, and nations. The message of the Gospel reaches beyond individual salvation, encompassing the nations and ethnicities of the world. In this article, we will explore the importance of praying for the peace of our cities and the broader responsibility we have as believers to bring transformation to the world around us.

We Must Pray for the Peace of Our Cities:

David, in the Psalms, introduced the concept of praying for cities, specifically emphasizing Jerusalem. Praying for Jerusalem is significant because it is the spiritual center of the world. This city holds great importance for three major world religions. When Jerusalem experiences turmoil, it reverberates throughout the globe.

It is interesting to note that the passage does not call for prayer because Jerusalem is morally righteous. In fact, this city has witnessed some of the greatest evils, including the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior. Yet, we pray for Jerusalem because of its impact on our brethren and companions.

Verse 8 highlights the need for prayer for the sake of our brothers and neighbors. Our cities shape our lives and have a profound effect on those around us. Our prayers have the power to bring about change. The first-century church serves as a powerful example of how fervent prayer transformed cities and nations, bringing them to the feet of Christ.

We Must Look Beyond Ourselves:

In our current society, there is often a “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) sentiment. This attitude dismisses the well-being of those who are not directly connected to us. Regrettably, this mindset mirrors the spirit of Cain, leading to the first act of murder. When God questioned Cain about Abel’s whereabouts, Cain responded with the infamous question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Jesus addressed this fundamental question in His teachings. He defined our brother as anyone who does the will of His Father in heaven. Jesus also emphasized treating our neighbors, even those from different cultures, with care and love. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, He highlighted that our love should extend beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries.

We, as believers, are called to rule and reign in our cities, embracing a position of love, compassion, and advocacy. Our responsibility is to extend love to those who may hate us for various reasons. Love, not only as individuals but as a collective body of believers, should guide our interactions with people of diverse backgrounds and belief systems.

Prayer Should Extend to Other Cities:

While praying for Jerusalem is crucial due to its global significance, we should also pray for other significant cities. For instance, Washington DC serves as the political center of the world, greatly impacting the lives of billions. Likewise, New York City is the economic epicenter, and Rome, Italy, holds religious importance.

Each of us should pray for our own cities, hometowns, and neighborhoods. Many cities harbor deep-rooted evil and strongholds, but history has shown that change comes through prayer. The Apostle Paul urged believers to pray for kings and those in authority, emphasizing that prayers and intercessions have the power to bring about peace and godliness.

Do You Know Who Your Brother and Neighbor Are?

As we engage in prayer and seek to transform our cities, we must confront any biases or prejudices that hinder our ability to love others. We must examine our hearts and dismantle any cultural, political, or ethnic biases that blind us to our authority in the earth. Understanding who our brother and neighbor truly are is vital.

Love is an enduring virtue that outlasts prophecies, tongues, and knowledge. It is time for us to overcome xenophobia and prejudice, actively embracing our responsibility to rule and reign in love. If we fail to recognize who our brother and neighbor is, we become part of the problem rather than the solution.

Conclusion:

Jesus emphasized the significance of love in His parting words to His disciples. We are called to love one another unconditionally, just as Christ loved us. Our love for one another should be a defining characteristic of discipleship. This love is a powerful weapon, one that Satan cannot counterfeit.

As believers, we are not helpless. Instead of relying on political action alone, let us become a prophetic action committee, rising up with the powerful weapon of love. Through prayer and active love, we can bring about transformation in our cities. Let us embrace our authority and fulfill our responsibility to rule and reign, ushering in peace, prosperity, and the Kingdom of God in our communities and nations.