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Articles by - Mike Muzzerall

A City On A Hill

 November 2020
As Christians, we are called to be witnesses to a lost and dying world. This charge was first given by Jesus to His twelve disciples. It was a charge that would become the foundation of their ministries once Christ returned to His Father. They were a city on a hill. The call still remains for all Christians to be “a city on a hill.”

Ancient Cities
When visiting ancient ruins in Israel, you will find that no matter what century the town was built, it was built on a hill if one was available. The Hebrew word for hill is tel. When I visited Tel Megiddo, I marveled at the effective defense mechanism of that period. Being on a hill made it harder to be attacked. The fortified walls and elaborate gates protected the citizens inside Tel Megiddo.

Different Reason
Jesus instructed His disciples to be a city set on a hill, not because it would be easier for them to defend themselves, but that they could let their lights shine. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). Believers are to be a light to the world. We are to be so visible that those who do not know Christ will have to acknowledge that we are followers of Christ by the way that we live.

24/7/365 Everywhere
What is the central thought or “big idea” in Matthew 5:14-16? What is the main theme of these verses? It is clearly that Jesus expected His disciples to be different from the world. There was to be a noticeable contrast between the ways of the world and those of the kingdom of God. They were to stand out. It has not changed today. We are to be as conspicuous as a city on a hill, and not just on Sundays.

Does That Include Politics?
For some reason, many refuse to let their faith be evident politically. They are so convinced that events have been predestined that they refuse to participate in one of the most fundamental characteristics of true democracy. And yet, when society becomes more anti-Christian, they are the first to complain. Plato said, “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools. Your silence gives consent.”

Absent Christianity
There isn’t a place in America where the absence of Christianity is more detrimental to our society than in the voting booths. We stand against abortion and the attack on the Judeo-Christian definition of the family unit, but we refuse to allow our votes to make a difference. There are those who refuse to compromise in their businesses in order to maintain their Christian witness. Others refuse to allow drugs or alcohol in their homes. They are maintaining a Christian witness. Isn’t it time for every Christian to let His light shine during the process of democracy?

Citizen Of Heaven
Yes, we are citizens of heaven, but we do live in the greatest country on earth. This country gives its citizens certain rights and privileges. Voting is not a denial of your Christian faith; it is acting upon your beliefs in order to affect society. If there is ever a time when we need to be a city on a hill, it’s now. If we are not, we may find the country being taken in a direction that will hinder the spread of the gospel. It’s time for absent Christians to come to the voting booths and vote according to the teachings of the Bible. It’s time for the church to be a city set on a hill.



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