From the Pulpit: Heal our land

Solomon had been very busy. The temple in Jerusalem was finally finished. At the dedication, a vast crowd gathered, people from every corner of the earth came to celebrate. For seven days they worshipped, offered 120,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep in sacrifice.

God himself began this week by sending fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice already on the altar. His presence came and filled the temple so that even the priests were unable to enter. The people gathered then erupted with worship and praise. At the end of the week, they returned home, “Joyful and glad in heart for the good things the Lord had done for David, Solomon and his people Israel.” II Chron. 7:10 

Let me paraphrase what happens next. One night, perhaps that very night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream. He says, “I have heard your prayer, I have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.” He was telling Solomon, “Well done.”

But then he goes on to describe a time when the people are not serving him, and judgement comes. He gives a path forward for when his people turn away and find themselves lost.

“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 sins and heal their land.” II Chron. 7:14

Perhaps this is a promise for us today. Join me as I seek his face, as we turn from nonsense, as we humble ourselves and pray. And God responds with forgiveness and we ask, “HEAL OUR LAND.”

God Bless. I am praying for you.