Bible Pathway - May 23
Read 2 Chronicles 7
Highlights:
Solomon’s sacrifices; glory of the Lord; God appears to Solomon; Queen of Sheba visits Solomon; his riches and fame; his death
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chr. 7:14).
For any person that has spent much time in church, this verse is probably fairly well known to them. If that same person has been to very many revivals, they have most likely heard this verse used in preaching. This verse is sometimes even called the revival verse. Of course, this is rightfully so.
There is no doubt, if the directions of this verse are followed, they can bring about great change. There is little doubt revival could be brought to a family, a church, a town or even a nation. The greatest need is that someone has to begin. And it can only begin with one's self. Once we do as the verse says, change will come in ourselves, our house, our community and country.
Many times in examining this verse, we simply discuss the results of following it. We might speak of the change revival brings. However, personal revival can only begin as we take the actions in this verse. Let us examine our part and how God will respond.
The first three parts seem to fall right together. We are commanded to humble ourselves, pray and seek the face of God. We humble ourselves in prayer before God in order to seek His face. In humbling ourselves, praying and seeking God's face, we are turning our will over to Him in order to follow His will. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).
Our second part in this transformation is turning away from our sin. The Lord is calling His people to repentance. This joins with the first part of having our will give way to God's will. Sin is selfish. When we act in God's will, sin will be limited. For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother (Mark 3:35).
If we sincerely follow through with these actions, God will react. We will get an answer from heaven. God will forgive our sin. He will bring healing to our families, churches, towns and nation. Let us utilize this scripture and the entire Word of God to change our lives and the world around us.
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38).
Thought for Today:
Although often well disguised by false religion, there is a true hunger in all mankind to know the One True God.
Christ Revealed:
Through the glory of Solomon's kingdom (2 Chr. 9:1-28). Even though Solomon had a rich and glorious kingdom, it cannot begin to compare to Christ's coming Kingdom.The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it (Rev. 22:1-5).
Word Studies:
7:11 prosperously effected, successfully accomplished all that God had planned for him to do, 7:14 seek My Face, seek My will through My Word; 8:5 nether, lower; 8:16 perfected, completed; 9:1 prove, test; 9:14 chapmen, merchant traders; 9:15 targets, large shields; 9:18 stays, armrests; 9:24 harness, armor; 9:26 the river, the Euphrates River.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the Lord's blessings and peace upon His children (Num. 6:24-27).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41
