Death in the City

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. [2Kings 6:16-17]

28 years ago, in 1982, Francis Schaeffer lamented the "post-Christian era" in Death in the City. It was as clear to him as it is to us now that America and Western Europe no longer possess a Christian culture. This he regarded as "death in the City. As Jeremiah was certain in his proclamation that Jerusalem was doomed to destruction and its people to captivity in Babylon (or death), I am sure now that there are more and more in our times who really have no commitment to the authority of Christ and his word in their lives and society. As Elisha's servant was alarmed at the siege of Jerusalem by the Arameans, we may well be just as alarmed at how those who reject and hate Christian values and morals have seized control of our governments, schools, cities and institutions.

But there can be no more wonderful encouragement than that Elisha gave: "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Lord, open our eyes so that we may see as Elisha did.

Now I am not trying to posit that there are really more Christians out there than we can see. No. More likely as not, there are fewer than we imagine, since so many are Christians in name only. What I am saying is that the power of God is with us, and Jesus Christ is with us, and the angels are with us, and all the saints in heaven are praying for us. Moreover, the Holy Spirit is with us now, to empower and embolden those who would be used of God in these days.

Even so, few Christians are really living in a way that sets them apart from the world. I know I am not. I wish I could preach on the street corners what I know and believe, but I don't have any power or conviction that it will do any good. I wish my children were able to understand me and believe what I believe, but I cannot compel them to do so.

So there are certainly not more of us believers than of non-believers. But if, as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit be upon us, how shall we not see only victory before us? Our eyes being opened, would we not see that the everything God has belongs to us? and that the mighty Holy Spirit is standing ready to "take from what belongs to Christ and make it known to us"? [Jn 16:15] Would not our eyes see our gloriously wealthy Father in heaven and become bold in asking for his power and wisdom in the work of evangelism, trusting that "he will give us whatever we ask in his name"? [Jn 16:23]

Will death come to the city---America's cities to be more precise? Probably some. Others may repent where the people of God will stand up and proclaim "Thus saith the Lord!" May God give us less enthusiasm in the way of blind patriotism, and more in the way of the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, I have not received because I have not asked. Please pour out your Holy Spirit on me to enable me to preach powerfully to the students at UVa in the Name of Jesus. Assure me of your eternal Authority, Lord Jesus, that I may be bolder. Amen.