Scripture:
2 Chronicles 6:36-42 ESV
[36] “If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to a land far or near, [37] yet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’ [38] if they repent with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity to which they were carried captive, and pray toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name, [39] then hear from heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their pleas, and maintain their cause and forgive your people who have sinned against you. [40] Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer of this place. [41] “And now arise, O Lord God, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. Let your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in your goodness. [42] O Lord God, do not turn away the face of your anointed one! Remember your steadfast love for David, your servant.”
Observation:
King Solomon had stepped into the temple in front of all GOD’S chosen people and started to pray. Lifting his hands towards heaven, he laid down a prayer that was all truth. In every part of it, he never asked GOD to forgive someone who refused to acknowledge their sin. Over and over in this chapter, we read the words if they acknowledge their sin and turn their hearts towards you. The point is made real clear in the verses that were chosen this morning. Solomon makes the statement “for there is no one who does not sin.” Paul makes that same statement when he said, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD. ” There are no exceptions. Everyone on earth is in the category of a sinner. So the question remains: What is it that GOD wants from us? It’s easy to see if we look. In fact, it’s stated over and over again in this chapter. “Acknowledge their sin and repent.” Another statement made that always seems to follow this one. ” Then hear from heaven,” Solomon found the key. He grew up watching his dad, King David, get on his face before the LORD and repent. He saw the favor that acknowledging his sin brought. David’s kingdom would carry on forever because King David had a heart of repentance. When he messed up, he owned up. It was shown to us in the garden as well. Adam hid himself… It’s not like GOD didn’t know where he was, but HE asked… Adam… where are you? HE wanted Adam to acknowledge that he had sinned.
Application:
You can’t do anything about something you refuse to acknowledge. The key to a true relationship with the father is keeping your side of the street clean. So the question was asked at the beginning of all this: What does GOD want from you? HE wants you to acknowledge your sin. HE wants you to turn from it. Listen, GOD wants to hear your prayers. As we know from scripture, some things could keep that from happening. Bitterness, and/or unforgiveness, for example. They are things that will hinder your prayers. We need to confess our sins… because HE is faithful and just to forgive our sins. GOD does not want to be separated from you. That’s not why HE sent HIS son. HE wants an open line of communication. Have you ever noticed that when you have sin in your life, you have a harder time praying? Your guilt and shame seems to make you want to hide, just like Adam. I’m trying to tell you don’t hide. Run straight to GOD and acknowledge your sin and turn for it. Honestly, it’s a theme that is repeated over and over in the bible. Even after Jesus walked the earth so it’s not something we can excuse away. The Bible says to confess your sins one to another so that you may be healed.
Prayer:
Father, help us. We have all sinned, and we want to acknowledge that right now. We know that you are our only saving grace. You have given us a path back to you. You have built a bridge with 2 pieces of wood and 3 nails. Help us to continually confess where we have done wrong in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.