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Text: 2Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. God spoke the above words to Solomon after the dedication of the temple at Jerusalem. The people were in one accord as they worshiped and sacrificed to the Lord. Solomon the king offered a moving prayer (2Ch.6:14-42) which acknowledged the supremacy of Almighty God. 2Chronicles 6:14 And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts: When he finished praying, God responded in a big way. Fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifices and burnt offering that had been prepared for the Lord. The glory of the Lord filled the temple to the extent that the priests could not enter the temple. The people were stirred and revival was in the house. 2Chronicles 7:3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. More sacrifices were made and the people had a good time praising God as they worshipped with instruments of music. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this could continue indefinitely? Yes, that would have been wonderful, but it didn’t last. After the rejoicing was over, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him that there would be a time that He would send periods of drought and pestilence because the people had sinned (2Ch. 7:12-13). People laugh today if someone says that extreme weather could be a judgment or chastisement from God. Perhaps they should read 2Chronicles 7:13. 2Chronicles 7:12 ¶ And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. The above scriptures are being circulated in an effort to remind Americans to pray for the healing of our land. That is good, but it is not just for Americans, it is an individual call from Almighty God for each of us worldwide to repent of our sins and acknowledge our Lord and Savior. Yes, the world’s economy is in shambles and no Republican, Democrat or the European Union has the answer. I am thankful for the blessings that God has given our country when our leaders and a large portion of our people acknowledged God as our sovereign. Things are changing in that respect, aren’t they? We don’t have a Solomon spreading his hands towards heaven and acknowledging the Lord of heaven. In the early dark days of WW2, President Roosevelt, not noted to be a holy man, prayed on national media for the Lord’s help in a war for which the United States and it’s allies were totally unprepared for. That will probably never happen again. It seems that all mention of God’s name is being eliminated. Mayor Bloomberg of New York has banned any clergy of any faith to participate in the upcoming 9-11 commemoration. I wonder what God thinks of that? I wonder if He will consider it as an insult? I don’t expect my national land to be healed under these conditions. However, on a personal level, it’s time for all of us who have gained entrance into the kingdom of God by believing on the name of Jesus to cry out, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in the fleshly heart of my being. Lord let me labor for the extension of the kingdom of God. Yes, I am a citizen of the USA, but greater than that, I have eternal citizenship in heaven (Eph. 2:19; 2Cor. 4:18, 5:1; Php.3:20). Our walk and relationship with Almighty God depends on a one on One encounter and relationship with Him. Many are having difficulties. They don’t have a job to pay the rent and put food on their table. Yes, our land needs healing and we desire that our government would do the right thing, but it’s time to reflect and take inventory of our personal situation and bow before our Lord in repentance? Jesus wept over the situation of Jerusalem (Mt. 23:37). He was grieved because, He had offered them many opportunities to repent, but they would not. Jesus is in our corner, actively pleading our case at the throne of God (Ro. 8:34).He is also grieved by our rejection of His mercies, but His call is still going out from the throne of heaven. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. While this old world is rocking and reeling and nations are distressed with perplexity (Lu. 21:25), Jesus is actively wooing each and every one of us to repentance and restoration with Him. God bless you. Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@about-him.com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe@about-him.com
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