Heal Our Land
II Chronicles 7:11-18
Although this is not the first time in history nor will it likely be the last, troubling winds are blowing across the world and, quite clearly, even in our beloved homeland. We are being constantly reminded that our nation is severely divided along many lines. In almost every facet of life we are seeing serious conflicts and controversies which have clouded the vision of our founding fathers’ “more perfect union”. To be sure, divisions and disagreements are not new among us. However, the gravity and depth of the present discord in moral values, political ideology, social norms, etc. are alarming. To the dismay of many, even longstanding spiritual and religious traditions are being reviled and cast aside as irrelevant and outdated.
Such conditions cause many of us, especially those who are moving toward the close of this life, to be concerned for our children and their children. So, we look for encouragement and hope where we have always been able to find it – in the Word of God.
The passage referenced above is quite familiar to the Christian community. We have heard it quoted often around patriotic celebrations, seen it on posters, and sent it on greeting cards. It contains four clear admonitions for those yearning for the healing of our land. “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” (II Chronicles 7:14).
The nation of Judah had experienced some very difficult years from the death of Joshua (1390 BC) through the lawless period of the Judges to the end of the corrupt reign of King Saul (1011 BC). King David had managed to bring about some stability to the nation, but continuing conflicts with surrounding countries had hindered their acquisition of the peace they had hoped for in the Promised Land. These conflicts and King David’s personal sins prevented the Lord from allowing the Temple to be built in Jerusalem. Therefore, the central place of their meeting with God and worship was yet unrealized.
When Solomon succeeded David as King (971 BC), the Temple was constructed and consecrated. With exceeding jubilation, music, singing, and sacrifices, the king and people celebrated the house of God in their midst (II Chronicles 7:1-10). It was a grand and glorious time. They felt that their dreams had now been fulfilled and everything would be good from now on.
Then, the Lord God appeared to Solomon one night and spoke some very sobering words – words which were to be heeded then and should be even now.
The Lord reassured Solomon that He had indeed chosen to set His Temple in their midst as their place of worship and prayer (vs. 7:12). He desired to be present among them. He also reminded the king that there would yet be other times of adversity and hardship ahead for these people (vs. 7:13). Those troublesome times would test their faith, courage, patience, and perseverance. There would possibly be doubts, disputes and divisions among them. But God allows such times to come in our lives to foster strength in His people (I Peter 1:6,7).
Following that somber warning in the night, the Lord revealed the remedy for coping with such distress or disaster. He said, “When those times come ….. “(vs. 13). “If My people who are called by My name will … I will heal their land” (vs. 7:14).
It is worth noting here that God specifically directs these words to “My people”. We cannot expect those who do not know God nor honor God to be interested in turning to Him for the healing of the land. St. Paul so spoke of this, “ … because although they knew God (that He existed), they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21). Thus, if the ills of the world and the brokenness among the people are to be restored, it will be left to the people of God.
Again, the Apostle Paul hearkens to us, “… because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21).
The four-fold guide which was given is not complicated nor impossible. It was clearly meant for all the people. So, let us briefly give some attention to our call. (A reminder: the Hebrew language is based on pictures. The words are meant to produce images in the hearer’s mind).
“humble themselves” – “kana” (kaw-nah) – to bend the knee, to bring low. We are to come before the Lord with a lowly posture, realizing that we are unable to change this world.
“pray” – “palal” (paw-lal) – intercede, supplicate, stand between. We are standing before the Lord on behalf of our world, asking God to bless them through our prayers.
“seek My face” – “baqash” (baw-kash) – search, strive after, reach. We are actively moving toward God with the desire to draw near to Him and be in His presence.
“turn from their wicked ways” – “shuwb” (shoob) – turn back, retreat, go home. We have strayed from our home, like the Prodigal, and we forsake our sinful ways and return to our father.
In response to our petition, the Lord promises to “hear from heaven” – “shama” (shaw-mah) – listen attentively, carefully, discerning – “and heal our land” – “raphah” (raw-faw) – mend by stitching, repair, make whole. He will listen very carefully to us and extend His hand of power and love to repair what has been broken and torn.
Some will recall that quote by Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859), the French author who came to America in search of its greatness. It seems very appropriate here: “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Our true home is not in this world, but while we are in this world may we do all we can to be God’s instruments of hope and healing. We are His people, and it behooves us to carry out His will in our land.
“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 sins and heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).
To God be the glory. Great things He has done.
Fr. Andrew
About The Author
