IF...THEN...

IF…THEN…

On the day that King Solomon dedicated the newly constructed temple in the city of Jerusalem, several unique events occurred.  First of all, Solomon assembled the Levites and elders of the twelve tribes to transport the Ark of the Covenant into the temple.  Secondly, he encouraged the offering of sacrifices, which according to scripture “could not be…numbered for multitude.” (II Chronicles 5:6)  Thirdly, the Levites and the people lifted their voices in one high and harmonious praise as the house of God was immersed in divine glory and anointing.  The manifest presence of Almighty God was so powerful “that the priests could not stand to minister.” (II Chronicles 5:14)   Fourthly, Solomon carefully rehearsed and renewed the covenant between Yahweh and His people.  Fifthly and finally, acting as King of Israel, Solomon offered intercessory prayer for God’s favor upon the nation and its citizenry. 

After Solomon had prayed, fire descended from Heaven and consumed the burnt offerings of the people, “and the glory of the Lord filled the [entire] house.” (II Chronicles 7:2)  To commemorate and celebrate this auspicious occasion of temple dedication, King Solomon offered personal sacrifices that were numerically monumental: 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep! 

But it may well be said that the highlight of that historic day of national temple dedication came that night via the personal appearance and promise of The Lord God:

II Chronicles 7:12-14

¹² And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

¹³ If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

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.

Beyond any shadow of doubt, we have arrived at the end-times, the final days of human history.  Therefore, our global witness is more crucial than ever.  However, in order for believers to impact the nations, we must hear and respond to God’s prescription-for-revival, which mandates four responses from His people:

-We must humble ourselves. (James 4:10 – I Peter 5:6 – Proverbs 29:23 – Isaiah 57:15 – Matthew 18:4; 23:12)

-We must pray. (Luke 18:1 – Luke 21:36 – Ephesians 6:18 – Matthew 21:22 – Acts 6:4 – I Timothy 2:1-3)

-We must seek God’s face. (I Chronicles 16:11 – Psalm 27:8 – Daniel 9:3 – Hosea 5:15 – Psalm 24:6)

-We must turn from our wicked ways. (Ezekiel 18:23 – Ezekiel 20:44 – Psalm 18:21 – Jeremiah 17:8-10)

Our participation (and effectiveness) in the promised end-times harvest of souls is entirely conditional. It is an ‘IF--THEN’ proposition.  IF we do our part (as outlined above)…THEN God will do His part.  Further elaboration is unnecessary since the voice of Almighty God is always clear, consistent and constant.  Just do it!