Always in the Turning

When Solomon had finished the temple of Yahweh and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of Yahweh and in his own palace, Yahweh appeared to him at night and said: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a temple for sacrifices. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among My people, 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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:11-14

Oft-quoted, the words above were God's response to King Solomon’s prayer upon the completion of the temple in Jerusalem, where He provided the conditions for the renewal and restoration of Israel (knowing they would inevitably fall into sin). Though in some ways generally applicable to God's people (the church) today, they must not be read to imply that a geo-political nation might experience restoration just because God's people were spiritually revived. A nation, such as the United States, cannot be "revived" (as it has no covenant relationship with God), but a church (and churches) can be, and should be in a constant state of "revival." This is another instance where Christ-followers must seek to understand the context in which God speaks, if we desire a healthy interpretation of His Word.

Having said all that, we (as church members) should also understand the key to restoration and renewal (corporate and individual). It is always in the "turning." We must turn from sin and self and renew our trust in Christ alone. Politics and political leaders cannot save, neither can their parties. We will do almost anything it seems to get what God has promised, but repent; however, only repentance can open the door for God's blessings to flow.

So, when the heavens are shut, the land is devoured, or a plague invades our lives, then it is always a good practice to humble ourselves, seek the Lord, turn from wickedness, and pray. Revival is for those who know Christ already, as is the condition for it, repentance.

Believe me, no matter what we say with our lips, we will never begin to pant after God until we repent of the self-sufficiency that has made its home deep within our hearts. – Selwyn Hughes