2 Chronicles 7:14
“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.”
Living in Israel, being part of the community of Sderot has been and is one of the greatest joys of my life. There has only been one place I ever lived that I was as proud to call that city my home.
Yet with the joy I have living here there is sadness on my heart and it is that sadness that has prompted this article. I read the news and try to stay on top of current events and it comes as no surprise to any one when I say we are surrounded by people, countries and nations that want us “wiped off the face of the earth”
That is not what saddens my heart though. It does not sadden my heart because I know who our defender is, who our shield is and who we need to take refuge in and put our trust in. Sadly I think sometimes we forget that truth and that is what saddens my heart.
Over the years (since I have lived here in Israel) as we have celebrated our independence with parades, fireworks Honors are given to the IDF and the IAF and all the brave men and woman that serve and protect us. Tributes are given to politicians and allies are thanked for their support. BUT I have never seen a tribute to or even Ha’Shem’s name mentioned.
Oh I hear, “Baruch Ha’Shem” all the time, but I wonder if it has become a saying as common as “Boker Tov” to people we meet. Are we really, really praising His name or are we just honoring Him with our lips but our hearts are far away from Him?
We will be facing hard time soon, there is no doubt about that, Our prophets have told us that in the last days we will face troubles like we have never seen before. Who are we going to trust in, who are we going to call on. If we are putting our trust in the military or political leaders then we are in trouble.
King David said it this way, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God”. We are facing an enemy that is fighting a religious war and they are calling on their god. Their leaders invoke the name of their god publicly… And we who have been called His own special treasure” where is our public invocation of the name of Ha’Shem, the name of the King of Kings and the L-RD of L-RDS; the one and only true and living G-D!
There are many people around the world that are praying for the peace of Jerusalem and that is wonderful; it is even something we are admonished to do in Torah. The sad thing is, with all those heart felt prayers there will never be a lasting peace in Jerusalem or anywhere in the world for that matter until our Meshach comes. All those prayers I see as people asking Ha’Shem to quicken that day, that coming of Him who we have all waited for.
So if the prayers for peace won’t help our present situation, what will? Ah I’m glad you asked. 2 Chronicles 7:14 ( Ha’Shem talking says) “and My people, who are called by My name, 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.”
There is no doubt about it, our land needs healing. Will we turn from our wicked ways or do we like our sin to much? Are we only called by His name in word and not in deed? Are we caught up in religiosity and have no relationship with Ha’Shem? Do we really, really love the L-RD our G-D with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength? Maybe its time for a reality check.
Is there not a David in the land who will take a stand for G-D publicly or have we all becomes so politically correct that we are no heavenly good? Ha’Shem is the answer to our current problems and any thing and everything else will fall short and we will pay the price for our folly… but will anyone listen.