6.17.24
This week we will dip back into chapter 11 along with chapter 13 to look at the biblical theme of a tale of two cities. As we’ve seen, the overall message of this book is to encourage believers who are struggling deeply with life. And they’re not sure if they’re going to make it. And the writer introduces us to a critical concept for the believer to understand if he/she is going to be able to navigate these challenging times. And it’s the idea of being resident aliens.
Because of how hot the topic is these days of immigration, we are fairly familiar with the concept of a resident alien. In our culture, we call them legal immigrants with green cards that allow them to stay and work in this country. And the idea of being caught between two cities is a common and profound theme in the book of Hebrews. And it reminds us that we are very much residents of this world - yet we are a people whose real citizenship is found in heaven. And the tension between these two worlds is critical to understand if we are to effectively navigate the trials and hardships of this life.
The Bible describes these two cities as the city of man and the city of God. The city of man is grounded in selfishness. It’s all about the success and progress and happiness of each individual. It’s a me-first city, that willingly steps on others to get ahead. The city of God is described as a new human society where the values are the exact opposite: my life sacrificed for yours…my interests deferred for yours. And as such, it’s a city based on justice and peace and sacrificial service.
But here’s the heart of the tension for the believer. This future city is depicted as still coming - yet already here. It’s what we often refer to as the “now but not yet”. We are now, today, citizens of that new city. Its values and priorities now define us. And yet, we still live in the old world. But the tension is even worse than that. Because the values of the old city are not simply “around us”, but they still reside within us. And so we’re caught between two worlds - two cities - with conflicting values and priorities. And that battle not only rages around us, but it rages within us.
Understanding this has a profound impact on how we deal with the struggles of life. And we will see this as we move through the passage in the days ahead. But for now, recognize that the tensions you face in this life are far more than the “bad luck” of unwelcome circumstances. But we are in a battle between two opposing cities. And it’s a cosmic battle that we will face as long as we live on this earth.