2 Chron 7:12-15
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. (NKJV)
King Solomon has fulfilled the desire of his father David to build the Lord a magnificent temple. They have offered up sacrifices to the Lord and Solomon prays a glorious prayer. It is an awesome occasion. Fire comes from heaven and consumes the sacrifices. Scripture tells us that the glory of the Lord so filled the temple that the priests cannot enter. Twenty-two thousand cattle are given up as sacrifice, and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep. The Levites and priests are playing the musical instruments of the Lord. Are you beginning to get a picture of what a spectacular event we have here?
After the festivities, the Lord appears to Solomon and shares the words in our chosen passage. God didn’t spend a lot of time with frivolities, but got right to the issue. He knew that His people would fail, and had already made provision for them.
APPLICATION:
America needs this provision today. And under the new covenant, you don’t have to go to the temple in Jerusalem to get your prayers answered. If we want to see revival in our lives, our fellowship, our community, and our nation then we should heed the instructions of this passage. As believers in Jesus, we qualify for this Scripture.
We are called by His name. We must humble ourselves. You may be called on to do something in church you have done before (such as singing a special). But when you humble yourself you may encounter some difficulty following through while thinking about how great God is and how unworthy we are.
When one person is willing to expose him or herself and make him or herself vulnerable, it moves the Spirit of God. I’m not talking about being foolish to be foolish. But obeying Jesus to minister to others and not regard your own fears and concerns. Humbling yourself may be that person you are working with today that God has been urging you to share Jesus with, or invite to church. Who knows when the last breath will be for them.
Humble yourself and see America once again be “One Nation Under GOD”.
