God’s Promise To His People

God’s promise to his people in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a popular and frequently discussed Bible verse. Here are some lessons it offers us today.

God’s promise to his people. Keep it in proper context.

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. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 7:14)

It took around seven years for King Solomon to build God’s temple described in 2 Chronicles 3-6. And the dedication service for it described in chapter seven featured animal sacrifices and celebrations that lasted seven days. It concluded with a solemn assembly where Solomon offered a prayer of dedication to God. And God responded with a promise to Solomon the people of Israel.

God spoke the promise directly to King Solomon and specifically mentioned the people of Israel. They were the only ones considered “His people” at the time. Therefore, we should not pull it from that historical context and arbitrarily apply it to the United States in a like manner.

The promise alludes to Israel’s history of faithfulness and unfaithfulness. They had a pattern of turning away from God and returning when things went bad for them. Therefore, the promise was conditional to their faithfulness. And required action steps on their return. And while the promise itself is not meant for America, the prescription and spiritual benefits still apply.

God’s promise to his people begins with humility.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (ESV, Isaiah 53:6)

Humility is base camp. The launching pad for God’s promise. Both as individuals and a body of believers. And it involves honest, self-examination of our spiritual condition as a sinners before a Holy God. Through humility we recognize the absolute holiness of God. And that even in our best moments of righteousness, we stand unholy and condemned before Him.

However, Satan covers our eyes with the pride of self-righteousness. And the soft whisper that little sins are okay. Just beware of the big ones. Those committed by really bad people who aren’t like us.

And yet, all sins–even the little ones–are unacceptable to a perfect God. And they collect like a measles outbreak. Random spots at first that eventually cover from head to toe. But little sins collect steadily, although perhaps, slowly. Like a gentle current drifting away from the presence of God.

God’s promise to his people involves a prayerful pursuit of God.

A prayerful pursuit of God is intentional and requires daily care and regular attention. But it’s easy to neglect when things are going well. And simply coast on spiritual auto pilot.

However, this lulls us into complacency. And lets Satan quietly plant dandelions in our spiritual lawn. Weeds acting as flower posers that overrun the lawn and create an eyesore.

Therefore, the prayerful pursuit of God requires diligence. A regular routine of spiritual disciplines. Essential worship of the church body. And support and accountability in a community of believers. To form a body of Christ-followers that serve as a lighthouse to the community.

God’s promise to his people embraces repentance.

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (ESV, Mark 1:15)

We often associate repentance with the emotion of feeling sorry. But it’s more than that. Because saying you’re sorry can be meaningful or meaningless words. Your actions that follow define which one.

The Greek word for “repent” in Mark 1:15 is mĕtanŏĕō, which means to think differently, reconsider, or feel compunction. And it involves an action. To turn from and turn towards. It requires exercising your will followed by purposeful actions that support it.

Furthermore, repentance is not a one time act. Because even God’s faithful people turn from and break God’s law. But when we confess our sin, repent, and turn back to God, He extends His grace and restores us.

God’s promise to his people includes hearing and healing.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (ESV, Ephesians 2:13)

The recipients of the Old Testament promise eagerly awaited the coming Messiah while today, we celebrate the saving work Jesus completed. Old Testament people looked ahead. New Testament people look back. But it’s towards the same, significant event. And in both cases, we must repent and seek God,

When we do, God’s promise is the same for everyone on both sides. He hears and spiritually heals. And includes us all as God’s people.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.