IMPACT AS A CITY

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains...” – Isaiah 2:2a

Believers in Christ are called to have IMPACT as a CITY: “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it” (Isa.2:2). Aligning with this prophetic destiny of the Church, the Lord declared from the Mount of Beatitudes: “...A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Mt.5:14b). Believers are to be visible Beacons of Light in the world, with faith and good deeds that cannot be hidden. This imagery underlines the responsibility to live in integrity, reflect God’s goodness and shine brightly for all to witness and be drawn to Christ.

In another sense, the “city” represents the Christian community, and the “hill” signifies a prominent position that’s visible to everyone. A city is rarely a private affair. Cities were often built on hills for certain benefits. First, a city on a hill is highly visible. Believers should expect to stand out in distinction rather than blend in with the world. We are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom.12:2). Followers of Christ are following a higher standard – the Kingdom Standard (Mt.5: 3-12). We will be different and this difference will be noticed. Second, such a city occupies a position of strength. As a higher position provides a natural defense, so is God on the side of Believers: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom.8:31).

Being a city that is set on a hill however comes with the challenge of being a target of attacks. Due to higher visibility and a different standard, we would be targeted. Jesus said, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (Jh.15:20b). A degree of persecution must be expected: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2Tim.3:12). 1 Peter 4:12 also says, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” When we fail to shine as light in the darkness, we waste the benefit of our vantage position to be a godly example.

Our Lord used three metaphors to describe Believers: The salt of the earth; the light of the world; and a city set on a hill (Mt.5: 13-16). All three signify Impact. We can be positive, impactful examples for others to see and follow. As an exalted city, we may become targets of attack, yet we have strength in the Lord to breakthrough every limitation, imposition, and opposition of obscurity and shine with Impact!