Devotional: God’s Condition for Restoration 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, if there is locust or grasshopper, if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities , whatever plague or whatever sickness there is” (2 Chr. 6:28, NASB).

King Solomon, the king of Israel completes the building of the temple in Jerusalem. Then, the temple is dedicated to the Lord. During the dedication Solomon prays for the people. He confesses that the sins of the people might cause God to show His displeasure with the people in various ways. Solomon prays that the people will know their afflictions and pray. Solomon prays that the Lord will hear their prayers when they give reverence to the Lord (vv. 29-31)

In chapter seven Solomon finishes his prayer and sends the people to their homes (7:11). The Lord appears to Solomon at night and responds to his prayer (7:12). The Lord states what the Lord requires of the people in order to be restored. “‘If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chr. 7:13-14, NASB).

The church has power to make a difference in America. The church makes a difference when the people meet the conditions that God sets for His people are met. Science has its place in the world, and we should not take lightly or ignore the knowledge that science gives to us. However, our God is creator of all things and all things are used by the Lord to serve His purpose. In the final analysis, God has the last word. We must meet the conditions that the Lord sets before us in His commands.

Prayer: Lord we surrender our will to You. Hear our prayer and forgive us our sins. Amen.