Heal Our Land!

Welcome Back

When I thought about what to share on the first day that we would be able to safely meet again in person, the Lord quickly dropped the passage 2 Chronicles 7:14 into my heart. It is a very familiar verse for many of us:

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

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.

I think that you’d agree with me that this is quite an appropriate passage for us to consider this morning. The promise is incredible! Think of it, an all-powerful, all-knowing, completely holy, universe builder, and generous provider hears from us, forgives us, and heals us.

We Need God

I heard a professor of Bible and Theology get asked the question, is this passage for us today? His response amazed me. He said that context is king. Here in 2 Chronicles we have the establishing of the temple built by Solomon. The professor said that this promise was for the people of King Solomon’s day.

Now in his defense, he did say that there are truths in the passage that are relevant for today. I think he comes far too short of the value of the Word of God. Didn’t the Apostle Paul say,

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

No scripture is alive once and never lives again. The entire Word of God is inspired by God and works powerfully in our lives as we allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate it. Which brings us back to the point of our passage today.

It seems to me that there are 2 powerful ideas at work in this passage –

1. The position of imperfect people

2. The promise of a perfect God

It is True that God Wants the Attention of His People

We should back up one verse to help us see the relevance of this passage for us today in 2020.

2 Chronicles 7:13 NIV

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people,

I believe that Paul is right and that all things work to the good of those who love Him

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

So, I ask the Holy Spirit to show me what He wants to me learn in this or any situation. I certainly believe that God is wanting to get our attention. This is an exciting proposition because I know, and you know, that the closer we are to Jesus, the more His blessing flourishes in our lives. Dr. Jack Hayford writes this:

This verse, perhaps more than any other single verse in all Scripture, sets forth the stipulations for Israel to experience God’s blessing. It would have special significance to the original recipients, who had actually experienced the truth of the principle God had spoken to Solomon. A twofold condition, with a threefold result, is extended to God’s chosen people (those called by His name). If they will humble themselves (turn from their sin) and seek His face in prayer, then God will hear, forgive, and heal. God effects His sovereign purposes in concert with the prayers of His children (Phil. 1:9; James 5:16).[1]

I sure am glad that this passage is relevant for us today. It offers us an amazing opportunity!

Opportunity of the People of God

To approach God in a position of humility

Definition: Humble – “to reduce (someone) in rank, character or status

James Packer in his book, Your Father Loves You, references 3 statements by Paul -

I am the least of the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:9

I am the very least of all the saints. Ephesians 3:8

I am the foremost of sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15

Humility and a passion for praise are a pair of characteristics which together indicate growth in grace. The Bible is full of self-humbling (man bowing down before God) and doxology (man giving praise to God). The healthy heart is one that bows down in humility and rises in praise and adoration. The Psalms strike both these notes again and again. So too, Paul in his letters both articulates humility and breaks into doxology. Look at his three descriptions of himself quoted above, dating respectively from around A.D. 59, 63, and 64. As the years pass he goes lower; he grows downward! And as his self-esteem sinks, so his rapture of praise and adoration for the God who so wonderfully saved him rises.

God is always trying to draw the attention of the people to Himself. John 12 says,

John 12:32 NIV

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Humility is not about beating ourselves up, it is about killing our pride and lifting up Jesus Christ for others to see!

To speak to God on behalf of the nation

Prayer is an amazing opportunity for each of us. Now, we have our children with us today so I thought it would be wonderful for all of us to become children for a few minutes and learn a lesson about prayer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=254&v=ZrdlXOk_QdQ&feature=emb_logo

God’s Promise to the People

I’ve got to be honest with you, when I first looked at this verse, I thought, “Well, this is really obvious. What do the people need to understand from this passage?” Well, this passage demands faith. Do you and I believe…

We can have the ear of God

We are in need of forgiveness and that God forgives

We need healing and that God is able to heal

Those 3 questions alone demand some wrestling with faith just as Jacob wrestled with God.

Can we have the ear of God? The answer is an emphatic “yes!” The scene of the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve foreshadows it. The friendship of Abraham and God paint it. The nearness of Moses on the mountain or in the Holy of Holies promises it. The incarnate birth of Jesus Christ proves it. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is evidence of it. And, the vision of John in Revelation excites it! We can have the ear of God.

Are we in need of forgiveness and is God able to forgive? The religious complained that the prostitutes, tax collectors, uneducated, and those freed from demonic oppression all gathered around Jesus. Do you think they felt welcome? Whether we consider the 7 demons cast from Mary Magdalene, the corrupted tax collector Matthew turned disciple, or the dejected Peter after denying Jesus 3 times all of them are forgiven. What kind of God embraces those types of people?

If we can accept them as true then we are very, very fortunate people. By the way, how do we know that they are true?

1. By the evidence of Scripture.

2. By the evidence that Jesus is real and that He rose from the dead.

3. And, by the evidence of our conscience as the Holy Spirit leads us.

Conclusion

I think that the Covid 19 virus has caused the whole world to pause and rethink their lives. Even if you have not been directly affected it has caused us to realize how vulnerable we are to things beyond our control. I believe, that for those who are Christians, this event has caused us to rely on our faith in Christ even more.

Let’s look at our passage once more -

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

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.

Some may hear these words and think, “God sure is demanding.” I look at them and think:

1. I get to be called by His name

2. I get to speak to God

3. I get to see His face

4. I get to hear from Heaven

5. I get forgiveness

6. And, I get healing – not only for myself, but for others around me.

Let’s take the opportunity to humble ourselves

[1] Hayford, J. W. (Ed.). (1997). Spirit filled life study Bible (electronic ed., 2 Ch 7:14). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.