2 Chron 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” [NIV]
I know many people who can quote this verse. I have had this verse quoted to me often. I’ve seen it on posters, posts, and pictures. If you have been in the church for any length of time, you have probably heard sermons with this verse as theme.
The problem is not that we don’t KNOW this verse, the problem is that we don’t LIVE this verse. Once God had Solomon’s attention with the drought, locusts, and plagues, He gave Solomon the cure. Repent. It was that simple.
We have had a drought of God’s Spirit, a compromise with the world’s values and a plague of sin and arrogance in the church. God is trying to get our attention. Once He does, God’s cure is the same for us as it was for Solomon and Solomon’s people. Repent.
And notice to whom God’s prescription is addressed. Not to Solomon (leadership) alone. God is abundantly clear “…if my people….” Repentance must blanket the entire church. All must humble themselves, seek God and turn from their wicked ways.