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. 2 Chronicles 7:14
While I realize that this verse wasn't specifically written for all that is going on in this day and age, I think that the same principle applies for the here and now as it did back when this was written. And today, of all days (9-11) is a day when this sentiment is expressed even more than usual.
Often times, Christians are so eager to point out all the sinners in the world who need to repent. We rant and rave about what is going on in this world as a result of their sin, their wickedness. But think about this verse for a moment and we might have a clue as to how we should be viewing things. First, this verse is referring to God's people, not unbelievers. And what is it telling us to do?
1. Humble ourselves
2. Pray and seek God's face
3. Turn from our wicked ways
Okay, so let's reflect on that for a minute. Some of you may be thinking, "What do you mean we have to turn from our wicked ways? We're Christians. Jesus' blood has cleansed us from our sin." This thinking is exactly why we need to do these things. What do I mean? If for even one moment we thought that because of Jesus' blood that we had no need to repent, no need to turn from our wicked ways (and let's be honest, we still have some of that in us at times), that could certainly be an indication that we may be walking in pride( sin). And as we all know, pride will definitely create distance between us and God, as he opposes the proud. In order for us to get to a place of understanding that WE need to repent, we must humble ourselves first. We must be willing to admit that we are not perfect. Far from it, in fact. We mess up. We miss the mark. We SIN. That humility should bring us to our knees. And it is there that we seek the face of God. This is not a time for us to be petitioning God for our wants and desires. This is a time of seeking God's will, developing intimacy with God, loving on God, worshiping him, and drawing close to him, not merely because we want something from him. Have you ever heard the expression, "I'm seeking God's face, not his hand?" What does that mean? To me it means that when we seek his face we are wanting to behold his beauty. We are wanting to gaze upon him, to reflect on who he is.Once we see Him as he is, we can't help but want to do whatever he says to do. But when we seek his hand, we are wanting him to do something for us.Don't get me wrong, there are times when we will ask God to move on our behalf, but that can't be the only time we call upon God. Otherwise, we become like selfish children.
Here's a question for you: How many times have you come into some worship service and poured out all you had in song, attempting to touch the heart of God so that he would meet your need?
Now think....how many times have you come to a worship service and poured out your heart before God, expecting nothing from him, but merely wanting to express your love, your gratitude and appreciation for who he is, and for what he's done for you? Be honest with yourself.
I realize that we are under grace. And I recognize the fact that Jesus was the one time sacrifice for us. The shedding of his blood provided atonement for our sins. For the sins of the past, the sins of the present, and the sins of the future. But this doesn't mean that we shouldn't be repentant when we sin. It should break our heart. And if we continually sin without repentance, the relationship will be strained. How could it not be?
While I realize that this verse wasn't specifically written for all that is going on in this day and age, I think that the same principle applies for the here and now as it did back when this was written. And today, of all days (9-11) is a day when this sentiment is expressed even more than usual.
Often times, Christians are so eager to point out all the sinners in the world who need to repent. We rant and rave about what is going on in this world as a result of their sin, their wickedness. But think about this verse for a moment and we might have a clue as to how we should be viewing things. First, this verse is referring to God's people, not unbelievers. And what is it telling us to do?
1. Humble ourselves
2. Pray and seek God's face
3. Turn from our wicked ways
Okay, so let's reflect on that for a minute. Some of you may be thinking, "What do you mean we have to turn from our wicked ways? We're Christians. Jesus' blood has cleansed us from our sin." This thinking is exactly why we need to do these things. What do I mean? If for even one moment we thought that because of Jesus' blood that we had no need to repent, no need to turn from our wicked ways (and let's be honest, we still have some of that in us at times), that could certainly be an indication that we may be walking in pride( sin). And as we all know, pride will definitely create distance between us and God, as he opposes the proud. In order for us to get to a place of understanding that WE need to repent, we must humble ourselves first. We must be willing to admit that we are not perfect. Far from it, in fact. We mess up. We miss the mark. We SIN. That humility should bring us to our knees. And it is there that we seek the face of God. This is not a time for us to be petitioning God for our wants and desires. This is a time of seeking God's will, developing intimacy with God, loving on God, worshiping him, and drawing close to him, not merely because we want something from him. Have you ever heard the expression, "I'm seeking God's face, not his hand?" What does that mean? To me it means that when we seek his face we are wanting to behold his beauty. We are wanting to gaze upon him, to reflect on who he is.Once we see Him as he is, we can't help but want to do whatever he says to do. But when we seek his hand, we are wanting him to do something for us.Don't get me wrong, there are times when we will ask God to move on our behalf, but that can't be the only time we call upon God. Otherwise, we become like selfish children.
Here's a question for you: How many times have you come into some worship service and poured out all you had in song, attempting to touch the heart of God so that he would meet your need?
Now think....how many times have you come to a worship service and poured out your heart before God, expecting nothing from him, but merely wanting to express your love, your gratitude and appreciation for who he is, and for what he's done for you? Be honest with yourself.
I realize that we are under grace. And I recognize the fact that Jesus was the one time sacrifice for us. The shedding of his blood provided atonement for our sins. For the sins of the past, the sins of the present, and the sins of the future. But this doesn't mean that we shouldn't be repentant when we sin. It should break our heart. And if we continually sin without repentance, the relationship will be strained. How could it not be?
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