They Leave Out Something

During these days of crisis after crisis, we hear some of the religious leaders quote the Bible verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "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."

I have yet to hear this Scripture accurately and fully quoted. Notably, the phrase "and turn from their wicked ways" is omitted. Notice also that God is talking about those who He claims are His people, not just everybody.

Most certainly it is good to pray, but for the power of this promise of healing to be executed by Divine authority, all four of the mandates must be fulfilled: we must turn from our wicked ways or repent. We hear much about praying but nothing about repentance.

Can it be that a nation that has slaughtered its children, approved perversity, deferred to drugs and rejected the ten commandments think there is no need for repentance?

How can it be that, now in the face of devastating judgements and threats of nuclear attacks, it is good to pray, while prayer is outlawed at our public functions and in our schools?

Are we REALLY God's people in the light of all this?

If we are going to pray let it be to ask God to send us the Spirit of Repentance.