Memorial Day- Just How Special is Memorial Day to You?

For many Americans, Memorial Day is a set aside time to be with family and friends at the park, or lake, or in the backyard grilling those favorite foods. For others in America, Memorial Day is a stark reminder that a loved one or friend gave their life to preserve the freedom of speech and religion that we have long taken for granted in America.

In the past few months, those of us who are church-going people have been reminded of just how quick our church doors can close. It is my personal belief that God is aware of where we are in America and He is simply saying to us, “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.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 The setting is at the dedication of David’s temple which Solomon had built. It is God’s Word to Solomon concerning that land in that day.

At the dedication, Solomon prayed this great prayer. Now He remembers the prayers of His people, and He says to Solomon, “If my people, which are called by my Name.” To whom is he speaking? Israel. God is talking to Solomon about Israel. Now if they will humble themselves, if they will pray, if they will seek my face, if they will turn from their wicked ways, then God promises three things to Israel: He will hear their prayer, He will forgive them, and He will heal their land.

Now there is an application in this verse that we cannot toss aside. This verse contains a formula for this hour concerning, “My people.” God has a people which we call the church or the body of Christ. “If my people shall humble themselves.”— oh, the flesh is proud. We are admonished to be humble and pray. Jesus told His disciples to watch and pray and seek His face. We are told in Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on the things above, not on things on the earth.” “Turn from their wicked ways.”— in other words, repent. Repentance is for the child of God.

Now how about God’s part? God has promised that He would hear, “and whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. He promises to forgive, and He will heal their land. Oh— if we follow the formula— we will be blessed with spiritual blessings in Christ.

On this Memorial Day— I encourage you to make time to pray. It is of utmost necessity that we seek God, humbling ourselves and praying.