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II Chronicles 7:14; I Chronicles 29:9-II Chronicles 1:13; 3:1—7:15

Calamity is often a powerful impetus which causes people to turn to the Lord God. Culture, fathers of generations, as well as governments who operate outside of Holy Scripture, will be to the detriment of the people, an observation made in light of recent news coverage. We have seen some very sad situations and many people are suffering. But the truth is, many have been suffering for a long, long time. Our focus should be, first and foremost, on transforming lives with the truth. Only this will change people’s lives, because it is applicable in every situation and circumstance of life. For this reason, we continue to teach people “how to fish” so they can fend for themselves with God, being able to utilize the Word and move along the path God has ordained for them.

Additionally we are to help in any way we can — financially, materially, in services and certainly in prayers of intercession. When people are fed, housed and clothed, they will be much more receptive to the Word we speak.

A popular verse of scripture among Christians in recent days is II Chronicles 7:14. “If” denotes something that is conditional. God said this to Solomon. In order to understand it, we must look at the context. “My people” — they were God’s people. “By my name” — There are 7 redemptive names of God which are all encompassing of life abundant with Him. “Humble themselves” — This means to have purity of heart in reverence and God dependency. “Pray” means to talk to God. “Seek my face” means seeking the heart of God. “Turn from their wicked ways” means to make a change. This is repentance. “I will hear [you] from heaven [my seat of authority]” — God will hear the prayers of His people. “Forgive their sin” is the blessings of forgiveness. “Heal their land” represents all of life.

As we look at the Old Covenant, we understand that things like the tabernacle, the high priest, the Temple are all a foreshadowing of something to come. God often uses one thing to represent many things. As with the expression, “heal their land,” God’s words represent the heart of people, family, peace from enemies, shelter from the elements, and the other deadly attacks from the enemy. It is to enjoy God’s presence in His temple, where He could come and dwell among His people.

When we read the context of II Chronicles 7:14, we understand that God was telling Solomon how to build the temple. The temple would be a temporary dwelling place for God. The details of God’s instruction to Solomon teach us a great deal about how important God’s dwelling place would be. Yet, also in these verses, we see Solomon’s prayer to God for His people. Solomon knew the people would sin and need God’s forgiveness. So he asked God to forgive His people. Solomon also knew that if a man or woman chooses to walk in the path of righteousness, he or she will be blessed.

After Pentecost, God dwells in His people by spirit. When we look at the heart of worship and details of the Temple (God’s temporary dwelling place) taught in II Chronicles, we understand more significantly the new creation we are in Christ. We have access to God by one spirit because we are the habitation of God!