Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 15, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 07.15.2017” on Spreaker.
This is devotional thought number 23 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.
Here’s the question for consideration: What happens if I confess my sins, and in heart, turn away from them?
“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. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place” (2 Chronicles 7:14–15).
Confession Refresher
A couple of days ago, we talked about the one thing that would block up God’s ears—unconfessed/unforsaken sins. Today, we will reiterate the point. We need a refresher course from time to time.
During the time of the Old Testament kings, God’s people had a habit of disrespecting Him. They did all sorts of unconscionable stuff; some of which would cause the heathens to blush. Besides the obvious impact their actions had on their own lives and nation, heaven was compelled to respond. Sometimes the Lord commissioned the heathens to chastise His people. Sometimes the chastisement spilled over into the holiest things among them, including the temple, its furniture, and the scrolls (book of the law).
Fast forward: During King David’s reign in Judah, he longed to rebuild the temple and dedicate it to the true and living God. The Lord honored his zeal, and said that it was great that it was within His heart, but He would use David’s son, Solomon to rebuild and dedicate the temple. So, king Solomon had the privilege of commissioning this awesome task. He arranged a worship service so incredible, as he confessed the sins of all the people before God, that the priests could not continue to minister in the presence of YHWH because the atmosphere of the Almighty (blessed be His name) was overwhelming.
Prelude to Divine Presence and Attention
Just prior to this treasurable experience, God promised that if His people would humbly seek His face, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, He would hear them and attend to their prayers. He promised He would open His eyes to cater to their needs.
God wants to replicate that experience in each of our lives. He wants to so flood our lives with His very real presence that it overwhelms our desires to sin. He wants to overflow our lives with the power of the Holy Spirit, such that the overflow will reach others so He can do the same in their lives.
What happens if I confess my sins, and in heart, turn away from them? God gives me the assurance of His presence and all the attention I need until Jesus comes.
