Refreshing Repentance

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8:62–9:28; 2 Chronicles 7–8; Psalm 132

After Solomon built God a magnificent temple, he prayed that God would inhabit that place. God answered Solomon's prayer of dedication. It was a day of awe inspired celebration as Israel saw fire come down from heaven and the glory of the Lord fill the temple (2 Chr 7:1-3). Israel worshiped and declared, "He is good; His love endures forever." (2 Chr 7:3).

Regardless of this amazing demonstration of answered prayer and God's glory, God knows the hearts of men, that we are fickle and prone to wonder. I find it fascinating that the Lord, following this event, appears to Solomon (2 Chr 7:12) with these instructions:

When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence 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 will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Many of us have experienced the glory of the Lord as He touched our lives, and filled us (His living temples) with His Holy Spirit. Yet we're living in times when the world is falling apart, there are both physical pestilence as well as spiritual. Yet, God gave us the solution! Humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and repent from sin. Then comes forgiveness and healing.

Our land needs healing. God promises to hear as we obey. If your own personal life needs a touch from God, consider whether repentance is in order.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

We are His temple, we are called by His name, He dwells in our hearts, and hears our prayers.

Keep reading: 1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21