If My People?

I used to see a certain Bible verse posted all the time on social media and bumper stickers and church signs.  Then it disappeared from the landscape.  I have not seen it quoted one time in the last year or so.  I was glad to see it disappear, to be honest, because I think it has been quoted out of context nearly every time it’s been used.  Here’s the verse:

“If my people, who are called by name, will 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.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

I think this verse was misused because it was largely used as a plea, or even a subtle threat, for the US to repent and change, mainly directed at issues like abortion or gay rights or welfare issues or immoral media and entertainment content. 

But here’s my problem with that:  this verse is specifically addressed to God’s people, not to the population at large.  It is not an admonition for a culture to repent, or even non-believers.  The verse specifically says, “my people, who are called by my name.”

That means those of us who believe in God, who wear His name.  We can’t point our fingers outward while reciting this verse.  It’s only for us.  

If WE will humble ourselves, pray, seek his face, and turn from our wicked ways, then God will heal our land!  

I think it’s time to bring this verse back out because what we are seeing all over the nation (and the world) right now from our black brothers and sisters is our failure to change a sinful and corrupt system.  We may have even contributed to it – many times unintentionally or ignorantly – but nonetheless, we have not changed it.  We, the people called by His name, should have been leading the way – and I know many Christian leaders have put much effort into racial reconciliation, but the average Christian in the pew I’m not so sure of.  

Here’s a beautiful example from Houston from The Today Show. Start the video at 3:00.

https://www.today.com/video/houston-police-chief-we-need-national-standards-about-body-cam-video-84288581534