Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - IF

 IF

After the death of King Solomon, the nation over which he ruled split into two countries. The northern part of the country continued under the name of Israel, and under the leadership of Jeroboam. The southern part of Solomon’s former kingdom became known as Judah and came under the leadership of his son Rehoboam. Both leaders were really unfit for the task of leadership and were inadequate for the responsibilities required. As a result, the northern kingdom, Israel, slowly turned away from God and began to worship other gods. Thus, in time, God gave Israel into the hands of Assyria, where they were taken captive.

In a similar way, Rehoboam led the nation of Judah astray and it too began to go after and worship other gods. This was until God allowed the Babylonians to conquer and capture Judah in the same way that Assyria overcame Israel. God had pleaded many times for the  Israelites to follow Him and abandon their pagan ways but His entreaties were all eventually refused and as a result the nations were overthrown. They had neglected to follow His command and to reap the blessings that would ensue, as outlined in Deuteronomy chapters 28-30. Instead, they reaped the curses that were promised if God’s commands were not followed. And this was not the first time, for on many occasions in Judges we are told of how the nation of Israel rejected God’s entreaties only to suffer the consequences. 

In spite of all this, however, people were still given the opportunity to make a choice. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us once more that such a choice is possible. It begins simply with

If

When a statement begins in such a way, it implies that what follows is as likely not to be obeyed as to be adhered to.

If My people who are called by My name…

At the time this was written it implied only the Jewish nation, but since Jesus is also God it now refers to people who identify as Christian as well.

…will humble themselves…

This is a real stumbling block because individuals as well as nations are unwilling to admit that they need God; everyone thinks they have the right and ability to do everything for themselves. It’s why pride is considered one of the greatest sins in the Bible.

…and pray and seek My face…

This won’t happen unless the being humble precedes prayer and seeking because if people are unwilling to submit themselves to God, they probably see no reason to pray or to seek Him.

…and turn from their wicked ways…

Something which probably none of us are great at doing because it implies complete repentance and in actually the ways of the world always seem far too enticing. But if we individually, and nationally, did give it an honest effort then

…I will hear from heaven…

God states very clearly that He will listen to our needs, also implying that without us doing our part, perhaps our prayers may not be heard, and we may be left to our own devices.

…and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

We can’t be forgiven of our sin if we don’t recognize that we are sinners. This, however, just might be the ultimate key, more than what we try to do ourselves, to healing our planet, and improving the situation for all of us if we will only take it to heart and do it.

It is certainly something to think about.