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.
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. I thought I would use this post to share my thoughts on what is going on across our world right now, in terms of the covid-19 pandemic, the protests in many of our cities, and the divisiveness between our people. First, I do believe the Bible is the Word of God. I believe it is God’s inspiration through those He had chosen to deliver this message. I do believe in salvation by grace through the death and shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross with the following resurrection. I believe everyone is a sinner, certainly including myself, and it is only by confession of sins can we be forgiven.
So, who are the people referred to in the verse I quoted? Who are the people that have been called by His name and need to humble themselves, turn from their wicked ways and pray? I think the following verses help clarify this:
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Ephesians 1:4-5
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
John 15:16
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
John 6:37
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.”
I think these verses in the Bible make it clear who “if my people” are referring to. If you are like me, a Christ follower, then we own the responsibility for praying for our country, our leaders and our world. When was the last time you prayed? How often do you read the Bible? Are you a church goer who talks the talk but does not walk the walk? Under the old covenant (old testament in the Bible), the chosen people were the nation of Israel. God specifically chose them and blessed them with land and years of great prosperity. How did Israel respond? They frequently would take God for granted and turn to other idols as their source of attention. Do many of our church leaders encourage their followers to make reaping material things like huge mansions, expensive cars and even private jets the focus of their attention? God is a righteous God, and a loving God, but He also demands obedience.
I honestly believe that if God’s people who are called by His name repent of pursuing things or putting other things before God that we can see great changes happen. On September 26th, there is a National Day of Prayer and Repentance . Leaders from across our country are gathering in Washington DC for this special event. If you are not able to travel, you can gather in your local communities, in your churches and even your homes.
If you are not sure where you stand with God, you can start by reading the Bible. You can also contact me, and I will be happy to pray with you. This is THE most important decision you will ever make.
