"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, 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. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
2 Chronicles 7: 13-16 [NIV]
2 Chronicles 7: 13-16 [NIV]
What was God saying to Solomon, and what does it mean for us today? Sin gets in the way of clear communication between God and his people. God offers to listen to Solomon and the people of Israel, to forgive their sin and to heal their land, but first he makes some requirements. What does he require of them (and of us)?
They must humble themselves
They must pray
They must seek his face
They must turn from their wicked ways
They must pray
They must seek his face
They must turn from their wicked ways
Our bodies are a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (as Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 6:19). If we have dedicated our bodies to him then he asks us to do the same things mentioned above.
Call to Action: REPENT
Today, spend a few minutes in repentance. Repentance is a change of mind, coupled with a change of conduct. It means that we recognise our sinful behaviour, we make a conscious decision to turn from that pattern and walk a different path. Perhaps you could write down those things that your conscience brings to mind and then burn the piece of paper (in a safe place!) as a symbol of sending your concerns up in smoke before your Saviour and leaving behind the ashes as a symbol of your repentance.
PRAY
Lord, I turn from my wicked ways and rededicate my Temple of the Holy Spirit to your name. Purify my heart and renew my right relationship with you. Hear my humble cry, O Lord my God. Amen
Dave MacLellan
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