“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.