Looking at Chronicles 7:12-15
The Christian response to lack of rain is clearly spelled out in scripture. It begins with an understanding of God’s sovereignty over nature. God says, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people. . .” (II Chronicles 7:13).
There was a time when our forefathers understood that it is God who is in charge of mother- nature. Insurance policies used to be written limiting liability payments in circumstances which were simply called “acts of God.”
Let us not assume, however, that God merely at whim chooses to with-hold rain or send pestilence. God’s desire is to bless His people. In fact He loves all people and sends rain on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). But scripture says that it is God’s goodness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
When the church no longer responds to His goodness, God uses other means to get our attention. A year ago the heartland of America had bumper crops with an abundance of rain. This year we have drought.
II Chronicles chapter seven chronicles the story of the dedication of Solomon’s temple. “The Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him, I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself, as a House (temple) of sacrifice.” The New Testament tells us that we are God’s Temple or house (I Corinthians 6:19). God now resides in the hearts and lives of humans who believe in Him, and wants to hear our prayers. We are God’s Temple of Sacrifice.
In Psalm 51:17 King David said, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart. – These, O God. You will not despise.” This brokenness was what God was referring to in II 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.”
There is another sacrifice, in the New Testament, that God calls His Church to perform, “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). We are admonished to thank Him in all things (I Thessalonians 5:18). In so doing we acknowledge that God is in control and that all things work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
II Chronicles 7:15 continues, “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” It is God’s desire to forgive and heal our land. Notice it is not the world, but God’s people who determine the outcome of our nation.
For there to be healing, God asks four things of His people. First we are to humble ourselves. Humility may be defined as a willingness on our part to be known for who we really are. We have sinned, and have left God out of our life. Secondly we are to pray, crying out to God. We need His help. Thirdly we need His presence. We are to seek His face not just His help. He wants us to be in an ongoing relationship with Him. Lastly we are to turn from our wicked ways. The Biblical term for that is repentance. It refers to changing our mindset and our direction.
We read in Deuteronomy 28:1,12, “If you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments. . . The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand.”
***Dr. Don Brendtro*** Dr. Brentro is a Pastor and Christian author
