II Chronicles 7:14 – “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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
II Chronicles 7 gives a record of the Lord’s second appearance to Solomon in II Chronicles 7:12-22. Verse 12-15 says, “Then 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. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 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 will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”
We are in a worldwide storm. To say we need revival is an understatement. We have quoted II Chronicles 7:14 many times. We have preached from this passage to call the people of God to a place of repentance for our nation. Repentance begins with each of us. How long have we prayed for revival? What is the answer for those who are wayward, rebellious, and lost? What is the answer to the deception and violence in our nation? I believe these three simple words hold a solution for us today, “If My people.”
When storms and trials come upon our city, the remedy will not be found in the political arena. The remedy for a city or nation experiencing judgment will be found in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The answer to our dilemma will come through prayer in the altars and the prayer rooms of our churches. The writer begins this powerful verse with “If My People.” We are the people of God. We must lead the way.
The Apostle Peter gives a beautiful description of God’s people in I Peter 2:9-10, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”
Revival and awakening will begin at the house of God. The future of our family, our city, our state, and our nation will be determined by our prayers. I believe these three simple words, “If My people,” are a call to the people of God to pray and cry out for our nation. “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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
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