Loving Your Neighbourhood

Throughout the bible, God seemed to be concerned with location.  Daniel was in Babylon for most of his life and God helped him prosper in that land.  In the very beginning, God created a beautiful garden for Adam and Eve to live in – and called the whole thing "very good".  Later he gave the Hebrew people a particular piece land to live on and care for.  Jesus came and lived during a precise period of time, on a very specific piece of real estate.

The Message says Jesus "moved into the neighbourhood".  He's not a God who is disconnected from the land we live on, only concerned with the relational ties to those who occupy it.  He cares deeply about where we live and the places we go.  We are, after all, made from the dust of the earth and he called it good.  Our streets and alleys matter to him.  God likes your neighbourhood, if even if you don't!  He loves your city, your town, your neighbourhood, and he loves all of it's unique areas that are full of people who need him.  The kingdom work of justice begins with love.

The Challenge:
Today, ask God to show you at least one reason why he loves your neighbourhood.  You may want to take a walk and ask him while you're out.

"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood." John 1:14