After the dedication of the temple, the house set aside for worship and sacrifice, the Lord appears to Solomon and says "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of worship or sacrifice." But then the Lord goes on to say what is required of the people, in verse 14 of chapter 7. "If my people who are called by my name 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."
As I read this again, it struck me that God didn't say the whole nation or land had to do these things in order for healing. He only requires His people to do these things in order for healing of the land. This is the requirement for true revival. And I believe that every time the people of God gather for worship, we should experience revival. How does that happen? The people of God - humbling themselves, praying, seeking God's presence, and turning away from or repenting of wickedness. It is so simple, yet we try to conjure up all kinds of other things to see revival. When it is simply a matter of each person in the gathered body choosing to humble himself, pray, seek Him with a passion, and turn from sin. Can you imagine the worship? Can you imagine the revival if every person simply - obeyed? May His people get it. Only then will others be drawn to Him and only then will we see a true healing of our land. It doesn't begin with the heathen. It begins with the humble. Help us, Lord. mjm
