Right Call!

Right Call!

and My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 CHRONICLES 7:14 AMP

Solomon had just built an imposing edifice as a temple to the God of Israel. He had also offered many sacrifces on the altar to the same God and God was pleased with the offerings that He came down in His glory to sanctify the temple and promised to make the temple His chosen place of sacrifice. Please note that at no time did God intend to make the physical temple His permanent dwelling place. In fact, from today's extract, it is clear that all answers are given directly from God, not necessarily because prayers are offered in church.

And the multitude of sacrifices and prayers didn't stop God from warning Solomon of the dangers of rebellion and disobedience. No matter how many offerings or sacrifices you offer, once the heart is not totally surrendered to God, it will amount to a waste of resources. God is saying: "I place more importance on the state of heart of my people than on what they can offer me. After all, I own all of earth and heaven". If they would only humble themselves, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, the promise by God is that He will hear from HEAVEN, not the amazing temple built, and will forgive and heal the land.

Isn't it surprising that it is God's own people who are called upon in today's extract? Sometimes, familiarity breeds contempt. Imagine that Solomon, with all he did here, still ended up serving and worshipping strange gods. It is a warning to all who depend on activities and the outward show of piety that God cannot be decieved. We can hoodwink man with false pretences but God is supremely intelligent, and as the creator of the human heart, knows all its hidden motives.

So, what's it going to be: honesty before God or pretence? Sincere worship or the usual Sunday Sunday application? He sits and watches and promises to reward ALL who sincerely seek Him. His time of favour is here.