Friday, July 3, 2015

July 3, 2015

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

If you read the full context of this verse it is even more inspiring than it seems! The scene is the dedication of the Temple which included a high and holy ceremony followed by a powerful prayer from Solomon. At long last the glorious Temple King David had always hoped to build was magnificently completed by his son, Solomon. This was one of the highest moments in the history of God’s people! God’s fire came and consumed the sacrifice on the altar and His glory filled the Temple! No one dared enter the Temple because of His presence!

God had kept the promise made to King David!

When the celebrations finally ended (after eight amazing days) and the priests, the musicians and the worshipers had gone God appeared to Solomon:

“12 And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night and said to him: I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice 13 If I shut up heaven so no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, 14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer offered in this place. 16 For I have chosen and sanctified (set apart for holy use) this house, that My Name may be here forever, and My eyes and My heart will be here perpetually.” II Chronicles 7:12-16

When God’s people, who were called by His name, humbled themselves, prayed and sought His face, He came in power and glory! And He promised that He always would!

God wants to meet with His people in His Temple when they come prepared, praying and seeking His face. He loves His people and longs to live in intimate fellowship with them.

The healing of a nation begins with the hunger of His people and the humbling of His people. Perhaps it can begin this Sunday.