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APRIL. ”shall humble themselves”

2 Chronicles 7:14 Amplified Bible.

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

After making it very clear who this message is addressed to, and assuring us that we belong to Him, the first condition God requires is that we humble ourself.

The dictionary says….”Humble people are not self-centered. They are usually capable of doing great things, but they don't feel the need to show off their achievements. They know their strengths, which gives them a lot of confidence–but they are not arrogant about their abilities.”

Humility is the opposite of pride. It is being God-centered instead of self-centered. It is deliberately choosing the lowest place. It is having the attitude of a servant.

God required His people to come to him in great humility if they wanted God to intervene in their situation.

Sackcloth and ashes were used in Old Testament times as a symbol of debasement, mourning, and/or repentance. Someone wanting to show his repentant heart would often wear sackcloth, sit in ashes, and put ashes on top of his head. Sackcloth was a coarse material usually made of black goat’s hair, making it quite uncomfortable to wear. The ashes signified desolation and ruin.

Hear the Old Testament prophet Joel.

Joel 2:11-13

The day of the LORD is an awesome, terrible thing. Who can possibly survive?

That is why the LORD says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead." Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

As the Prophet Joel speaks, you can almost feel the pain in his heart which is the cry of God to His people.

He says. “Come to me, repent, fast, weep and mourn.”

He shows us the heart of God ….”slow to anger”, “eager to relent”. He is “merciful and compassionate.”

God's will is for all to be saved, even the Putins of this world.

These practices were carried on in New Testament times when the “religious” people put on a big show with their “fasting, weeping and mourning”. Jesus addressed this.

Matthew 6:16-18 NLT

"And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

God is telling us that He's not interested in a big public display of humility and a “form of godliness”, but rather He's looking at our heart attitude.

He says fasting (going without food for a period of time) will please God, as well as weeping and mourning. Weeping over our cold heart, and mourning because we have displeased our loving Father.

And there is a reward promised ….if we humble ourself, God will exalt us, He will bring us to a higher place. So really, to rise up and be promoted is only possible if we are willing to bend and humble ourself first.

Again we see “if you will, I will”. Man's obedience followed by God's blessing.

James 4:10 KJV. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Luke 14:11 NLT. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Jesus is our greatest example of humility. Read Philippians 2:5-11

In the Old Testament we read many times about the punishment God sent on the nation of Israel because they turned to idols.

2 Chronicles 12:5-7 NLT

… You have abandoned me, so I am abandoning you to Shishak, (the King of Egypt)” Then the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The LORD is right in doing this to us!" When the LORD saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah (the prophet), “Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief.”

What about the city of Nineveh? God sent Jonah to tell them that in 40 days he was going to destroy the whole city.

Reading Jonah 3.

What happened when Jonah obeyed God? What did the people do? What did God do?

We live in a country that has largely turned its back on God, and the consequence is that God will allow judgment to come.

But if the church of Jesus Christ really humbles themselves before God, perhaps God will withhold His judgment over our nation.

Perhaps God is speaking to you about fasting. If you have a bondage in your life, sin that you cannot seem to break free from, then fasting for a day or two can be a time of deliverance for you as you humble yourself before God.

We know what God requires, so let's do it God's way!

As you listen to this beautiful song, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, to reveal to you any areas where you have grieved Him and then humble yourself before Him and repent.

https://youtu.be/Knk-DlTLckg

For further information on fasting:
https://elevationchurch.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Jentezen-Franklin-Complete-Fasting-Guide.pdf