Because everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory, God had already purposed to harden my hometown's heart.
Yes, this is still my hometown; I can't change that. I did not choose her and, judging from her response to my assignment, she did not choose me either. I did not create my hometown nor did my hometown create me. Indeed, we were both predestined by God, for each other; according to His purpose. Predestination, in many respects, simply means, "It's already done." It may seem unfair that, in the grand scheme of things, we have no say. But, because we're not our own creation, it's not our call. That sentiment is best transcribed in The New Testament book of Romans.
Romans 9 (NIV)
¹¹Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad — in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: ¹²not by works but by Him who calls —she was told, "The older will serve the younger." ¹³Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." ¹⁴What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! ¹⁵For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." ¹⁶It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ¹⁷For Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My Name might be proclaimed in all the earth." ¹⁸Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden. ¹⁹One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist His will?" ²⁰But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ’Why did you make me like this?’" ²¹Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? ²²What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath —prepared for destruction?
Because of rebellion, which is hostlity towards God, sometimes you have be a bit aggressive with an obstinate city, whom though she herself is unable to discern the danger ahead; refuses to heed warning. Hence, the seemingly hostile colloquialism, "Shut up clay!"
God's patience doesn't cancel His plan: both the restoration and the destruction which requires the restoration remain in place. While God has exhibited great patience towards my hometown, in that she has never been poured from vessel to vessel (i.e. never been exiled), even God will only tolerate so much. I could never have fathomed that, in a city replete with churches, the inhabitants would walk in a religiosity steeped in superstition, despise genuine prophecy, and reject correction. But, it is indeed surreal, that in this modern day metropolis, in year 2026, a homeless elder woman of God would be faced with relentless hounding and torment for any reason. But, shame on my hometown for prioritizing sports over a humanity. They think their superstitious antics bear weight; but, they are no more in control of baseball than I am; that's the MLB's business. Nevertheless, though they vilify me all day, every day—to try and justify their hostlity and theft; is God not omniscient?
“But who are we to tell God how to run His affairs? He’s dealing with matters that are way over our heads. Some people die in the prime of life, with everything going for the—fat and sassy. Others die bitter and bereft, never getting a taste of happiness. They’re laid out side by side in the cemetery, where the worms can’t tell one from the other."
Job 21:22-26 (MSG)
This ministry was never designated for this city. She forfeited her reward due to unbelief, which is dishonor. But rather than advancing the ministry, as was done for others such as Jeremiah and Paul, like Nazareth, she has tried to force it. After casting me out–relegating me to the streets, draining my transit account, banning me from the airport and constantly subjecting me to spiritual, verbal and physical assault, in an effort to hem me in and exhaust me, she still falls short. Even so, she persists in basically holding me hostage (oppress) to force fruit from this so-called bad tree. Ironically, somehow the people are angry with "me" because God chooses to honor those who follow His instructions. Good fruit doesn't come to those who deem the tree bad (Nazareth). Nevertheless, because Christ is the head of all ministries, their offences are not merely against me, and their sister cities, but are likewise attacks against Jesus.
If the ministry is not for this city; it's not for this city. Clearly, mistreating me has not manifested their desires. But rather, continues to provide God with evidence to reject their claims.
It is unfortunate that, based on my current status and appearance many have shut their ears up and literally look away from me — choosing to ignore both me, and my "unpleasant" message. They come near me, but they refuse to hear me. Therefore, they continue to miss out.
"Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" James 2:5
I love the Message Bible's translation:
"Listen, dear friends. Isn't it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world's down-and-out as the kingdom's first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God."
Therefore, from the rooftop again I shout:
Yes, this is still my hometown; I can't change that. I did not choose her and, judging from her response to my assignment, she did not choose me either. I did not create my hometown nor did my hometown create me. Indeed, we were both predestined by God, for each other; according to His purpose. Predestination, in many respects, simply means, "It's already done." It may seem unfair that, in the grand scheme of things, we have no say. But, because we're not our own creation, it's not our call. That sentiment is best transcribed in The New Testament book of Romans.
Romans 9 (NIV)
¹¹Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad — in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: ¹²not by works but by Him who calls —she was told, "The older will serve the younger." ¹³Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." ¹⁴What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! ¹⁵For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." ¹⁶It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ¹⁷For Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My Name might be proclaimed in all the earth." ¹⁸Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden. ¹⁹One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist His will?" ²⁰But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ’Why did you make me like this?’" ²¹Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? ²²What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath —prepared for destruction?
Because of rebellion, which is hostlity towards God, sometimes you have be a bit aggressive with an obstinate city, whom though she herself is unable to discern the danger ahead; refuses to heed warning. Hence, the seemingly hostile colloquialism, "Shut up clay!"
God's patience doesn't cancel His plan: both the restoration and the destruction which requires the restoration remain in place. While God has exhibited great patience towards my hometown, in that she has never been poured from vessel to vessel (i.e. never been exiled), even God will only tolerate so much. I could never have fathomed that, in a city replete with churches, the inhabitants would walk in a religiosity steeped in superstition, despise genuine prophecy, and reject correction. But, it is indeed surreal, that in this modern day metropolis, in year 2026, a homeless elder woman of God would be faced with relentless hounding and torment for any reason. But, shame on my hometown for prioritizing sports over a humanity. They think their superstitious antics bear weight; but, they are no more in control of baseball than I am; that's the MLB's business. Nevertheless, though they vilify me all day, every day—to try and justify their hostlity and theft; is God not omniscient?
“But who are we to tell God how to run His affairs? He’s dealing with matters that are way over our heads. Some people die in the prime of life, with everything going for the—fat and sassy. Others die bitter and bereft, never getting a taste of happiness. They’re laid out side by side in the cemetery, where the worms can’t tell one from the other."
Job 21:22-26 (MSG)
This ministry was never designated for this city. She forfeited her reward due to unbelief, which is dishonor. But rather than advancing the ministry, as was done for others such as Jeremiah and Paul, like Nazareth, she has tried to force it. After casting me out–relegating me to the streets, draining my transit account, banning me from the airport and constantly subjecting me to spiritual, verbal and physical assault, in an effort to hem me in and exhaust me, she still falls short. Even so, she persists in basically holding me hostage (oppress) to force fruit from this so-called bad tree. Ironically, somehow the people are angry with "me" because God chooses to honor those who follow His instructions. Good fruit doesn't come to those who deem the tree bad (Nazareth). Nevertheless, because Christ is the head of all ministries, their offences are not merely against me, and their sister cities, but are likewise attacks against Jesus.
If the ministry is not for this city; it's not for this city. Clearly, mistreating me has not manifested their desires. But rather, continues to provide God with evidence to reject their claims.
It is unfortunate that, based on my current status and appearance many have shut their ears up and literally look away from me — choosing to ignore both me, and my "unpleasant" message. They come near me, but they refuse to hear me. Therefore, they continue to miss out.
"Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" James 2:5
I love the Message Bible's translation:
"Listen, dear friends. Isn't it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world's down-and-out as the kingdom's first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God."
Therefore, from the rooftop again I shout:
WORLDWIND!!!
Repent!!
Transform!
Repent!!
Transform!
Open Book Test
Bonus Question: Why did God hate Cain?
