Why is 2 Chronicles 7:14 (If My People) Often Quoted During a National Crises?

   2 Chronicles 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.

   How often have you seen this passage of Scripture appear on billboards, banners and lawn signs when there is some sort of national emergency? Perhaps, you’ve quoted it yourself. Why do people post and quote it? What is their commitment level? Are they seeking true repentance, or are they merely looking to be rescued?

   Before going further, this is not intended to call anyone’s character into question. The idea is to connect to the heart of God, and come into alignment with His calling.

   When talking about commitment level, this addresses a number of areas. Here’s one: are people thinking in terms of temporal earthly matters, or that of the Kingdom of God? Something to consider as we dive into this study.

Who are His People (If My People)?

   This one may seem obvious, and it is, but if you are thinking from a national perspective, it may be easy to misapply this verse. It began with the nation of Israel, or the Jewish people in particular. Of course, it also applies to Christians, since we as Gentiles were grafted into the good Vine through Jesus Christ (Romans 11). However, not everyone who lived in Israel was Jewish, just as not everyone in a particular country is a Christian.

   The call goes out to those who are His, in a nation. This gives us hope, in terms of seeing the land healed. That means it doesn’t require an entire nation humbling itself for changes to take place, just those who belong to Him. Of course, the more committed believers are to the Kingdom, the more a nation will be filled with disciples. At the same time, the Lord does bless His own, even if the rest of a nation is suffering hardship. We’ve also seen in the Bible where God has used His people to stave off catastrophe from happening to non-believing individuals and nations. In fact, they were blessed because the people of God were in their midst.

 Now this is where it gets dicey. People talk about nations being judged, but what does the Lord say about judgment?

   1 Peter 4:17-19 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? and if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

   What affect does the Church have on nations? Think of it this way, only the disciples of Jesus Christ have power and authority over evil, not those of the world. What happens to a nation if His people were turn away from Him? Who is going to stand in the gap for that nation?

   Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace (reproach) to any people.

What Does Humble Themselves Mean?

   Jesus said it best: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).

   Humility means absolute surrender: both knees bowed completely, not just one. It means we stop insisting on having things our way. How many stop following Jesus when things don’t go their way? How many give God the cold shoulder when He doesn’t perform to their liking? Maybe they forget they’re bought with a Price, and they’re not their own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23). And yes, He’s God and they’re not! Be encouraged to study Matthew 16:24 in depth, and let it speak to your heart.

   If we have truly humbled ourselves, wouldn’t the Body of Christ be undivided? Why are so many Christians attacking each other? When believers act in malice, publicly ridiculing those with whom they disagree, they play into the devil’s hands. There is a biblical way to address any differences we may have. Being a keyboard warrior on social media is not one of them. We are called to be one, and yes that means loving one another (read John 17:20-26). One sign of true repentance is love.

   Ephesians 4:1-3 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

What Does It Mean to Pray?

   This ties in with humility. Christianity 101 says, pray according to the will of our Father. Jesus revealed this to us in The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Ask Him to show you what is His will as you pray. Submit to Holy Spirit, and let Him lead you. It can prove quite frustrating if one prays contrary to His will, which is why it is important to seek His wisdom first.

   1 John 5:14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

What Does It Mean to Seek His Face?

   There is a vast difference between seeking something from God and seeking His face. This is searching for Him, not getting something from Him. It means both to crave Him, and craving to worship Him. It’s a call to intimacy. When our thoughts and actions flow out love and relationship with Him, we do things out of purity. Seeking His face also means seeking to be in agreement with Him.

   Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a Rewarder of those who seek Him.

What Does He Mean by Turn From Their Wicked Ways?

   I thought we were under grace? Am I not forgiven through Jesus Christ? Fair question. Has the Lord been dealing with you about an issue? What have you done about it? Has He asked you to stop doing something? Did you treat it as a command, or a suggestion? Maybe He’s been asking you to do something, like forgive someone. Have you done it? Are you doing things you know full well are contrary to His Word? Grace doesn’t give us the right to ignore what God is saying to us, much less sin.

   How can anyone say they are a disciple of Jesus Christ when they know full well, they’re in rebellion. We’re not talking about struggling with something; we’re talking an absolute refusal to acquiesce to His desires. Are we willing to see or hear what He wants to reveal to us? By the way, this does affect prayer.  

And Forgive Their Sins

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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