Throughout the season of Lent our daily devotions have been written by members of the Faith Lutheran community. Our theme this Lent is “Jesus Our Healer.” Today’s devotion comes from Jason Houlihan.
“…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, 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
Christians, especially those who believe in American exceptionalism, take this verse to mean that if believers in this nation would humble themselves and pray then God will fix our nation. Before you get upset at the newest staff member for implying that this is not what this verse is about, ask yourself, “What is the context of this verse?” We’ve got about 150 words left to check this out, so let’s take a quick glance at context.
The first temple in Jerusalem had just been completed. King Solomon led a massive weeklong celebration (basically Solomon knew how to party), to dedicate the temple. As per tradition, the walk of shame often proceeds intense partying, so that’s how we get to this verse. God, then speaks to Solomon, the king of Israel, and promises Solomon that if the people of God; humble themselves, pray and ask forgiveness, seek God continually and repent, then God would hear those prayers and heal their land. Those are the principles by which we Christians live.
Repentance is little more than returning our hearts to God. We too walk in shame, we too deny our true self and this Lenten Season, God is saying rest my beloved and return to me.
Let us pray: Abba, let us see that we cannot do everything, and feel the liberation of that statement in our bones. Let us give our hearts back to you as our minds wonder throughout the day. God, give us the strength, to be open to resting in this season and find healing in trusting your embrace. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
February 20, 2015 at 11:28 pm |
Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”