Today we’ll continue with some of your favorites (or the passages you have questions about). Email (andy@stm-umc.org) or message me with any passages you’d like added or that you have a question about!

Today we are looking at 2 Chronicles 7:14‬: 

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

Today’s passage is one that we have probably heard many times. It’s been the passage for many a prayer service. It is a poignant and powerful verse, one that we need to look at. And it’s one of the verses that is a great example of how we should read scripture.  

The key to understanding this passage, as with really all of scripture, is (say it with me!): context! If you have learned anything from me when reading the Bible, I hope you’ve come to understand the importance of the context of the passage.  

Today’s verse is to be understood both in a literal and historical context but one that we can (correctly) understand in a more spiritual context. What am I talking about?  

Historical context – this passage relates to a very specific time and place. This is a passage that deals with the dedication of the Temple. If you remember from Biblical history, David wanted to build the Lord a Temple; for most of history, the Lord did not have a permanent place of worship; it was always moving with the tabernacle. So, the Lord said that David would not build it; it would fall to his son Solomon. Now the Temple has been built, Solomon is presiding over its dedication, and the Lord reminds them of how He has punished them and how there have been difficult days in the past. But, if His people, who are called by His name, will repent, He will bless their land. That’s a powerful word from God and a powerful encouragement for the people of Isreal!  

Now, let’s look at the spiritual context. What I mean by that is this. You and I are not the original audiences of this passage. This passage was not written originally for 2022 Christians. It was God’s word to Israel at that moment. Knowing that is key. But hear me, that does not mean this passage does not have meaning and value for us today!  

God remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. So, today, if His people, who are called by His name, will humble themselves and turn from sin, God will hear. And He will heal their land.

For us today, this is a call to us, as Christians and as the church, to humble ourselves. Repent of our sin. Turn to God. Seek Him. And when we humbly seek God, He will heal all around us. Know why? Because if we are truly, humbly seeking God and seeking His face, He will use to be a means of grace to heal others. That healing will come as you and I are the hands and feet of Jesus. God will heal our land through His grace that will flow through each of us as we seek Him. And as we are seeking Him, He will move through us, in us, and use us to heal.  

So, spiritually, this passage has so much to say to us and is an encouragement for us today to stop. Humble ourselves. Turn to God. Receive His grace. And then allow that grace to flow through us.  

God longs to heal our land. And He longs to use us, His humble servants, to do it. 

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