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 7:14)

God’s Part And Man’s Part

When Solomon finished building the Temple, the Lord appeared to the king with His divine blessing. Worship has always been contingent on man’s actions and the acceptance of God. The Lord told Solomon that He would hear the people’s prayers if they would do their part. When the people come to God, they must humble themselves, pray, seek the face of the Lord, and turn from their wicked ways. Then, and only then, would the Lord hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal the land.

It is easy for men to see God as the great Provider, giver of grace, full of love, merciful, kind, and forgiving. The word of God reveals all His nature for men to read and understand how benevolent the Creator is for His creation. God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son. Jesus willingly gave His life for the sins of men. The Holy Spirit worked through the agency of God’s will to carry out the divine scheme of redemption. Every day is a blessing as God allows the sun to rise and the rain to fall on the just and unjust.

What men fail to understand is the benevolent mercy of God comes with a cost. God will forgive, but man must humble himself. Prayer is the agency where man comes to God, not where God comes to man. The Lord will not come to a man who is unwilling to first come to God. One of the greatest falsehoods accepted by men is the idea that they can live in their wicked ways and God will accept them. The world is filled with those who profess to love God and never take the time to obey the will of the Father. They believe as long as they have a whisper of love for God, He will accept them in His great and infinite mercy.

The message to Solomon is not a new theology. God’s grace and mercy have always been given to those who seek the Lord, but none of the blessings of the Lord will come if man does not come to God first. God has done His part. Man must do his part. There will be no forgiveness if a man does not humble himself. A man who does not pray receives nothing. When life is seeking after the things of the world and never takes the time and effort to seek God, there will be no blessings. Damnation awaits those who refuse to turn from their wicked ways. Having a dancing foot for Satan and a praying knee on the same leg is impossible.

Solomon’s life became the fulfillment of what God warned the young king. As the reign of Solomon increased, he did not humble himself before the Lord. His prayer life diminished to the enjoyment of his pleasures, and his face turned away from seeking the Lord. Instead of turning from his wicked ways, he followed the path of his many wives. The Lord appeared to him twice, commanding him to repent. Solomon refused. The reign of David’s son was filled with adversity. When men refuse to obey the word of the Lord, God will not hear. He will not forgive. There will be no healing. God has done his part. You must do your part.