2 Chronicles 7:14 – “ 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 sin and heal their land.”  NKJV

The last time I used this passage I had someone tell me to stop using it for it only applied to natural Israel and could not be applied to any other people or nation today.  I understand the context and to whom this was spoken but would contend that it is an invitation and promise that applies to all of the Body of Christ today.

Let me approach it by reminding everyone of Peter’s declaration under the inspiration of the Spirit of God in 1 Peter 2:10 – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy“.  He was speaking to gentiles and calls them ‘chosen, royal priesthood, and a holy nation’.  We were once ‘afar off’ but now are ‘brought near’ by the Blood of Jesus.

I would also call your attention to the words of Paul in Galatians 3:13-14 – “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”  And we are reminded of Paul’s words regarding the New Covenant in Hebrews 8:6 – “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”

Therefore, the promises God gave them are applicable to us.  So it is my belief that when God extends an invitation that carries with it such an incredible promise we should take note and actively pursue that.  In our present world most would acknowledge that the conditions are far from perfect and often very volatile, dangerous and even evil.  In our land we need HEALING that can only come from God.  So let’s quickly consider what is being said and see if it is applicable for us in 2014.

Notice the word “IF” for it is the catalyst that propels us into the rest of the promise.  “IF” my people and if you can accept what I have just stated above you will see that ‘my people’ applies to the Body of Christ as well therefore is a legitimate condition for us to engage in this activity and expect the promised results.  But it does not end with “IF” it continues, “if My people who are called by My name WILL….”  There is a condition placed upon the promise which requires decision and action on our part.  “Will what?”  PRAY!   Unfortunately for some the word prayer invokes nothing more than reciting some rote ritual and tossing around a casual or flippant, “God help us.”  But consider the continuation where he says AND…. And what?  SEEK MY FACE!  That is a determined dogged decision to overcome all obstacles, opposition, and attitude that would separate us from God.  It is a decision and determination to enter into His presence and stand before the LIVING GOD.  That is our part where we PRAY, SEEK GOD and TURN FROM WICKEDNESS then comes God’s part THEN…   Then what?  God promises to HEAR us and 1 John 5:14-15 declares that if we ask ANYTHING according to His will He HEARS us and if He hears us He GRANTS the petition.  The continuation is not only will He HEAR us but will FORGIVE us and HEAL OUR LAND.

If you had a family member facing certain death and there was something you could do would you do it?  I believe that 99.9% would be willing to do whatever it took to save the life of their loved one and here God gives us a solution for HEALING OUR LAND but sadly few actually seem willing to engage in it.

My prayer is, “God stir our hearts restore in us a right spirit and create in us a clean heart.”  May God be with you as you go through this day!