In this chapter King Solomon has just finished praying at the consecration of the newly built temple. Fire comes down from heaven and burns up the burnt offering and sacrifices and the LORD's glory filled the temple (which would presumably be like a thick cloud - see 2 Chronicles 5 : 13, 14 & 2 Chronicles 6: 1).
Huge numbers of animals are sacrificed, and the theme of their worship (verse 3 & 6, 10) is 'the goodness of the LORD, for his mercy endureth for ever'.
After this, the LORD appears to Solomon in the night and tells him that he has heard his prayer and that in future days, if adverse times come, his people should pray to him, and he would hear them.
"...or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face. and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Firstly, how applicable this is to us - we have a pestilence - coronavirus 19 - in our land (and across the world). We daily scan the news for updates. For me, the fear has abated. So far none of my family have been affected. It almost feels as if we are reading about something remote to us; but every now and then, the fear grips my heart with the thought of losing any of them. Plus, we still have that sense of uncertainty with regards to future plans and how the winter will be, as lockdowns and talk of resurgence are muttered across the media.
Secondly, I notice, that after speaking of the calamities which might come to his people, the LORD instructs them that if they humble themselves and repent, he will forgive them and heal their land. This suggests that the calamities have come as a result of our sins and actions.
As I read this I longed for my country to turn to the Lord, in confession and prayer - there is no talk of this reported amongst our leaders - but then it occurred to me, that I am this country. Why wait for somebody else....
'O Lord, I humble myself before thee and confess that as a nation we have turned from thee. We used to be called the 'land of the book', but now we seem bent on going in ways that seem right to us, but which are contrary to thy laws. Please forgive us. Please turn us to thee. Please reveal to this country how we have sinned in thy sight and give us desire to seek to thee for forgiveness and be given thy strength to turn from those things which are displeasing to thee. I thank thee, in words which cannot do justice to thy great great mercy, that we can come to thee and ask for thy mercy and healing in our land. For Jesus sake, Amen'.
Thirdly, I noticed that sweetness of 'MY' people', which are called by 'MY name'. How wonderful to feel that sweet possession of ties to the Lord - to be able to claim him as, 'MY' God, 'MY' Father', 'MY' best and truest Friend, and 'MY' loving caring, all powerful Saviour.
Photo courtesy of Ricardo Gomez Angel ,Unsplash.
Available at <https://unsplash.com/photos/3uW1wJxsQMI> [Accessed 01/10/2020]