Introductory Thoughts
Humility moves God to action. This common theme runs throughout the Bible; however, our passage reveals some truth otherwise hidden. According to Second Chronicles, the people of God are responsible to humble themselves. While doing so, they must also pray, seek God’s face, and turn from their wicked ways. God’s use of the word then in the passage reveals that God’s actions result from the actions of His people. Their humility will move the Lord to action. If, or when, they humble themselves, God hears from heaven, forgives their sin, and heals their land. God takes note when people display humility (Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:1-2). Though some things have changed concerning Israel versus the church, God remains constant and is still looking for humility in the lives of His children.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Consider the word pride. The middle letter is "I." When you are proud, you think first and foremost of yourself. You might think how much better you are than others or how you want your own way and don't care how it affects others. God despises pride. He is pleased when we see our pride and come to Him for help fixing our problem.
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(For everyone): Do you need the Lord to do something special in your life? Do you constantly try to impress Him with your efforts? Have you considered that you might need to put away your pride and humble yourself before Him?
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Each of the steps God gave to man in our passage is in opposition to a prideful life. What does this teach us about mans greatest problem? Will you humble yourself, pray, seek Gods face, and turn from your wicked ways?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to remove pride from your heart.
- Ask God to help you truly seek to please Him.
Song
Praise The Saviour, Ye Who Know Him
