June 23rd | 2 Chronicles 7

Would you preemptively forgive someone? You know that person is going to let you down, hurt you, and stab you in the back. Yet you preemptively tell them, “I’ll forgive you if you do.” That is essentially what a marriage vow is. For better or for worse is the traditional vow. The happy-eyed, naive, and young couple might say this without any real idea of how bad the “worse” might be, yet the promise is still made. It is a promise to stay, to be, and to love that person for the rest of their lives. What a powerful vow, and it should impress upon us the power of marriage that our God has instituted. 

This idea of preemptively forgiving someone would be reserved for a marriage or a close family member. We wouldn’t extend such kindness to anyone. Yet, in 2 Chronicles, this is what God does for His people. In the opening verses of 2 Chronicles 7, we see God’s glory descend on the newly dedicated temple in a spectacular way. 

2 Chronicles 7:1-4, “7:1 As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

What a beautiful and powerful picture of God coming to reign powerfully with His people. Everyone is worshipping and praising God. In this instance of glory and greatness, many probably thought this powerful worship and presence would continue for generations. Yet, in the quiet of the night, without fire or a spectacular show, God appears to Solomon. 

2 Chronicles 7:12-14, “12 Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14 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. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”

What is God telling Solomon? He will be with Israel even when they leave, even when they sin. God doesn’t mince words, and the Almighty KNOWS what will take place. In verse 3, He says, “When I shut up the heavens…” God is telling them that they will rebel, and God will punish them. He is not naive or misty-eyed like the newlywed couple who think there will be no struggle. No, He already knows that Israel will turn and there will be a “worse.” 

Yet, even still, God chooses to love. He chooses to forgive, to shepherd, and to save. But there is a condition. “Humble yourself, pray, seek, and turn.” It seems so simple listed in this way, but this can be the hardest thing of all. We think we have all the right answers and can save ourselves from the mess we’ve made, but we can’t. We are hindered in our prayers and seeking after God because we’re ashamed. We don’t want to turn from our sin because we love it and feel that we will miss out. Yet, in doing these things, we find a God who is merciful and abounding in steadfast love.

God made that covenant with Israel, and it remains in effect for you today. If you have wandered, you have a God who wants you to pray and seek Him. He can bring healing to your heart and save your soul. Would you humble yourself before Him today?