THE CALL TO RETURN (III): IF MY PEOPLE

BY PR DR JEREMY CHEW

“IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME 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.”

(2 CHRONICLES 7:14)

One of the most amazing truths about our relationship with God is to be called “His people”. This term was first used of the people of Israel, but later extended to include others - even Egypt, Israel’s enemy - who would “return” (i.e. repent and turn) to God (Isaiah 19:22-25)! Similarly, we who have trusted in Christ are also “a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9).

As God’s people, Israel was not spared from disasters that could be natural or a form of punishment from God. “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you,” the LORD told them (2 Chron 7:13). What were God’s people supposed to do when that happened?

             If  my people

                       humble themselves…

                       pray…

                       seek my face…

                       turn from their wicked ways…

            Then  God will

                        hear from heaven…

                        forgive their sin…

                        heal their land…

It is clear from here that God’s response was conditional upon the people’s response. And the context of this is the building and dedication of God’s house. Although even the whole universe cannot contain God, yet He had chosen to confine Himself to the temple that Solomon built. “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually” (2 Chron 7:15-16). God’s eyes, ears, and heart! God’s presence is described as “physically” present in His house where He will place His name forever.

Let us all return to God’s house in prayer and repentance that He may heal our land.

NOTE: Congregational prayer will be held on-site in the Chapel coming Saturday, 23 April from 4pm to 6pm.