Welcome to our devotional for “Jesus in Global Cities.” It may come as a bit of a surprise to some people, but if we are to grapple with contemporary issues in global cities then we need to reflect deeply on what the Bible has to say about cities. Many themes that the Bible deals with in relation to ancient biblical cities resonate, perhaps unexpectedly, with the challenges and opportunities of today’s global cities. Though it is obvious that biblical and contemporary cities differ, their similarities are sometimes less obvious. You will have an opportunity through these devotionals to consider what some of these connections are between cities in the ancient and contemporary worlds.

Our purpose is to aid you to read, reflect, digest, consider, pray, and apply the truth of Scripture in parallel with our Global Missions Conference.

To profit from these devotionals each day, we encourage you to:

• Find a quiet spot in your home or work where you will not be disturbed.
• Turn off your devices so their beeps and pings will not interrupt you.
• Select a regular time in your day to meaningfully engage with the Scripture.
• Begin your time with silence to quieten your heart.
• End your time with prayer and silence to deepen your reverence for your Maker and Redeemer.

Each devotional highlights one verse from a passage. We encourage you to read the passage so that you can figure out its meaning from the context. Each devotional refers to a global city. These are representative of the types of cities where many of our missionaries serve rather than a precise listing of where each of them minister. Following each devotional, you will find a question to consider, an action point, and a suggested prayer. These are only suggestions. Make them your own. Invite the Holy Spirit to write the Word of God on your heart and to change your life.

May our Lord himself reveal more of his love, mercy, justice, power and holiness to you over the coming days as you permit the Holy Spirit to penetrate your own heart in relation to Scripture and to the opportunities and needs of Global Cities today.