One servant of God toiled for many years in a city in North India. He used to diligently go to villages around the city every day and preached the gospel. There was a mission seminar that happened in his city. When he attended the speaker spoke from this bible verse: “And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9-10) This was a promise given to Paul when he was in Corinth. That city was known for its immorality, fertility cult and loose living. Paul served there for about eighteen months, seeing great fruitfulness there.
1) Do not be afraid: First, distressed because of worldliness around him. Second, distressed with the spiritual warfare that was intense because of immorality cloaked in religiosity. Third, distressed because of opposition. In Athens, Paul experienced culture shock and in Corinth, moral shock.
2) Speak: Paul should not be intimidated by the greatness or population or sinfulness or evil spirits that dominate the city. He should boldly proclaim the gospel.
3) No harm: Lord said: I am with you. It is three dimensional: First, the Lord’s presence will be with Paul. Second, the Lord sympathises or has compassion for him. Third, the Lord will cooperate with the efforts of Paul.
4) Many people: Cities are filled with people. God desires that all could repent as the full city population of Nineveh repented and fasted and prayed. (Jonah 3:6-10)
The bible teacher concluded that this message given to Paul with regards to Corinth is applicable to all who serve diligently in the city. This servant of God took a new decision to focus on his neighbourhood. Within two years more than eighty people were baptised and a beautiful church was built. Mandate for mission and promise of fruitfulness could be received in faith.
Do I pray and minister in cities?