Healthy Land (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Sermon on 10 August 2025 by Pastor Gaius

Introduction

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7

Message

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. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Jesus taught us to be gentle and lowly. Let us be more Christ-like every day. God gives grace to the humble. Our achievements and successes are not of our own might, but because God gave them to us.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:29

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” - James 4:6

The apostle Paul taught how to be humble. Let us be able to submit to anyone, even people who are of lower rank than us.

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Ephesians 5:21

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. - Colossians 3:18

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. - Colossians 3:19

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. - Colossians 3:20

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21

Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. - Colossians 3:22

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. - Ephesians 6:9

We obey because we fear God. And by following His commands, we are protected by God. Our prayer life needs to be strong, so that we do not enter into temptation. When  we are close to God, we have the peace to overcome temptation when we are tested.

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Matthew 26:41

Jesus taught us how not to pray. We are not to put on a show. Rather, we should pray in secret.

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. - Matthew 6:5-8

The fervent prayer of the righteous is effective and powerful.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. - James 5:16

Seek God. Seek His face. Seek His will. How do we do this? Pray and read the bible.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13

When the Lord looks upon us, His grace is upon us. In this world of darkness, we face uncertainty. But Jesus is the light, and we know where to go.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26

Turn from our wicked ways. Jesus’ blood has cleansed us; we are white as snow. Let us not tolerate unholiness.

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” - John 8:10-11

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals. Wake up from your drunken stupor, as ir right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. - 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Closing

Be humble, pray, seek and repent. This is how to have a healthy land.