Living in New York City, surrounded by so many people, it is easy to want to withdraw into our bubbles, especially when we see people in need. Their need can be overwhelming. For many people, it is so easy to blame the poor for being poor. They say, “It is their poor choices that have led them to where they are.” This attitude reminds me of the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh (Jonah 1 - 4).

Ironically, the majority of these chapters are about Jonah than about Nineveh.

Jonah placed himself in the place of God as their judge, rather than standing in the gap for them as their intercessor.

Before God could heal Nineveh, He had to heal Jonah first.

Before God could deliver Nineveh, He had to deliver Jonah first – from his selfishness and pride.

I see II Chronicles 7:14 as God’s message to our modern-day Jonahs. This scripture is an example of the “if/then” blessing: “if my people, who are called by name will humble, pray, seek, turn from their wicked ways, “then I will hear from heaven [we release God’s ears], and I will forgive their sin [we release God’s heart], and I will heal their land [we release God’s hands].

May we be obedient to stand in the gap for our city. Set the hearts of your people on fire. May you, oh Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours. Revival will begin in this city when revival begins in us.