Theme: Welfare of a Nation
Text: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22
Introduction:
I greet you all in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today we are going to mediate on the theme ‘Welfare of a Nation’ based on the scriptural verse 2 Chronicles 7:14. As on date according to the UN, there are 251 countries and states, around 7.8 billion people live on the globe, and there are about 6500 languages in the world (2020). A little study on the formation of nations gives us a clear understanding of nations and nationalities. The territories were divided according to language, culture, customs of the people, it is found in the Bible as well as in the modern era. Today, the world is politically divided by national borders, into separate sovereign and/or administrative divisions.
Biblical Understanding of the Nations:
Genesis 10:1 reports that there were only three sons to Noah after the flood, namely Shem, Ham and Japheth. The nations came out of them. Their territories were based on their clans, and languages (Genesis 10:4,20,31). Then the chapter ends with the words, “these are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their lines of descent, within their nations. From these the nations spread out over the earth after the flood” (Genesis 10:32). Some settled near seacoast and became Maritime (Genesis 10:5), some settled near rivers and green fields became farmers, shepherds and hunters (Genesis 10:8). They were scattered all over the earth according to the plan of God at Babel when God confused their languages (Genesis 11:8-9).
Welfare:
Welfare is defined as health, happiness, and fortunes of a person, or group, or a nation. The welfare of nation includes peace between various people groups, languages and ethnicities; wealth shared among all citizens, health and goodness maintained as one entity. The welfare of the nation also refers to the harvest of crops, cereals, and other products of the fields in due seasons (Leviticus 26:4-6). The welfare of the nation refers to the yielding of flocks, herds of a nation (Psalm 65:11-13). The welfare of a nation is being disturbed by outbreaks of wars and pestilence and failure of monsoon (Leviticus 26:16).
In this passage, the Lord spoke to Solomon about the cause and effect of loss and restoration of the welfare of a nation (2 Chronicles 7:11-22). In Ezekiel God declared that his four dreadful judgments are sword, famine, wild beasts and plagues (Ezekiel 14:21).
Today I would like to stick to verse 14, also do an Exegetical study of it. How can we be more blessing to our nation at this hour of CORONA crisis? Through three ways we can contribute to the welfare of our Nation by:
1. Being Humble and God-fearing persons
2. Being Prayer Warriors
3. Being Righteous persons
Spiritually now the land refers to our own life and vocation. The welfare of land is depended upon our true commitment to Christ and having a faith life. With mere Christian identity, nothing could be changed personally as well as in society. I pray and wish for a change in our nation through the good fortunes of our life and thriving in our vocations. Say it Govt. jobs or private sectors or own business. The welfare of our life depended upon our walk with God, belief in God and unshakable faith in God, in turn to leads to welfare of our nation.
1. The welfare of a nation is depended on GOD-FEARING people (2 Chronicles 7:14 a)
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves…
Humility is the trademark of a true believer and God-fearing person. They have great faith in God and his supplies, and his justice and in His promises. They practice humility, because humility is the life and mark of Christ. He emptied himself to become a human and he humbled himself to serve his disciples by washing their feet (Philippians 2:7 and John 13:4-5).
Here, God told Solomon that rise and fall of his nation depended upon his close walk with God. God cited David as an example and told him to be Like King David. Walk according to the commandments, decrees and laws. Don’t worry about people who do not observe, but first and foremost you as a leader of the Nation, walk before me (2 Chronicles 7:17). To raise a nation from poverty to prosperity, from destruction to development, from insecurity to safety, there is a need for God-fearing wise men and women.
Micah 7:2-7 gives a list of evil found in the nations: No godly, no one upright, both hands are skilled in doing evil, rulers demand gifts, the judge accepts bribes, powerful dictates, all conspire, best of the men are brier, most upright is worse than a thorn hedge, dishonesty with husband and wife, deceiving siblings, fighting in-laws were the nature of the land of Israel or the attitude and characters of the People on those days.
Prophet Hosea affirms with these words: there is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgement of God in the land. There are lying and murder, stealing and adultery. Rejected knowledge of God, ignored the Law of the Lord, exchanged glory for disgraceful, more priests more sins (Hosea 4:1-3,6-7). The Lord looks down from heaven to see if there is anyone to understand, to seek God but no one does Good (Psalm 14:1-2).
Today we are flooded with schemes. The number of NGOs are outnumbered the number of God-fearing men. The Lockdown has increased umpteen numbers of YouTube channels and TV channels to entertain and encourage all evils. Today all rubbish teachings are available on the net. But where are the wise God-fearing men and women to build the society and Nation? Where are those people of Wisdom? Where are those God-fearing preachers, Pastors to build the nation?
Bible gives us many examples of God-fearing women and men who saved their nations by their wisdom. They were like ‘Salt and Light’ of their times and generations (Matthew 5:13-14). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Psalm 111:10). The fear of the Lord is always wisdom (Job 28:28). The depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge are with God (Romans 11:33). Wisdom and power belong to God and he changes the kings and the rulers (Daniel 2:20-21). Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city (Ecclesiastes 7:19). So, believers with wisdom can change the course of a nation. I remember a few best examples of people who brought welfare to their nations by their God-fearing wisdom.
God-fearing Wise man: Joseph is one such best example to start with. Egypt was about to go for seven years of severe famine during the time of Pharaoh (Genesis 41:30, 33-36,39). Joseph was a God-fearing slave and a prisoner. He was a man who never wanted to use the wicked and ungodly ways as opportunities to claim to the throne (Genesis 39:8-9). By his wise counsel, he saved Egypt and other nations of the world for seven years (Genesis 41:56). Moses blessed the nation of Joseph because of his piety works (Deuteronomy 33:13-17). Preacher says in Proverbs 28:2 “a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order in a country.”
God-fearing Wise woman: Abel Beth Macah was saved from destruction because of the wise counsel of a woman (2 Samuel 20:1,16,22). There was a trouble maker called Sheba son of Bicri, who rose against King David. He was pursued by Joab. Sheba escaped to Abel Beth Macah. Joab wanted to destroy the city. At this juncture, the wise woman saved her country from great devastation. She spoke to the city leaders and saved the nation. Wise man: Ecclesiastes 9:15-16 talks about an incident where a poor wise man by his wisdom saved the country from the hands of the enemies. Many nations today they have forgotten the contributions and sacrifices of missionaries and churches for the welfare of their nations. Once again the Lord calls us to serve the Nation with sacrifice even if they don’t recognize us. Rise up oh man and women of God to build your nation.
2. The welfare of a nation depended on PRAYER WARRIORS ( 2 Chronicles 7:14 b)
… and pray and seek my face…
Prayer is the most used word by all preachers but practiced less by most of the Christians. Conditions of God are: “Humble, Pray and Seek His face.” Though, primarily the words “My People and their Land” refer to the People of Israel and the land of Israel. The promises are given to people of Israel is also promise given to the “people of New Israel” i.e., you and I.
Readings of the following verses Genesis 12:2, 17:4, 18:18, Haggai 2:7, Zechariah 14:2, Matthew 28:19 reveal that all nations are god’s nations. Every nation and tribe will inherit Heaven (Revelation 7:9). The praying people, praying in the name of Jesus Christ as he said in John 14:14 are the people who bring welfare to the nations.
Dr Henry M. Morris comments on this passage in his notes in The New Defenders Study Bible saying, “This verse is often cited by way of exhortation to Christians on behalf of their particular nation, but it was a very specific promise to the people of the elect nation, Israel. This verse is teaching us that if a nation of people repent that nation will be healed (site:lakewaybaptist.org).”
Now the repentance is two-fold: One is repentance of Christians and other one is repentance of everyone in the nation. The emphasis is on national repentance and is directed to a nation not a people within a nation. So we need to pray for the repentance of the national leaders, pagans before the healing of the nation. The best example we see in the book of Jonah. Bible talks about.
Jeremiah 14:12 mentions famine, sword, and plagues (pestilences) are God’s instruments of judgment upon people. Ezekiel 6:11 says, …because of all the wicked and detestable practices of the house of Israel, for they will fall by the sword, famine and plague.” Ezekiel 22:30: “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” Standing in the gap means praying for the disasters, catastrophes, unjust circumstances, suffering people and communities, unjust rulers and princes (1 Timothy 2:1-3). We pray to God one who hears our prayers (Psalm 65:2).
The lockdown brought virtual spiritual culture. Many are at Zooms. Corporate Zoom prayers are good but more than that closed room prayers cannot be neglected. Let our prayer time overtake the zoom prayer hours. Speak to God from your heart for his intervention and not to impress others. Prayers are not programs but our breath and life. It’s a catalyst to change self and society. Prayer brought changes, revivals in the past, still, it does. Prayers are not for ads, publicities and fundraising but to reach God for blessings (Matthew 6:5-8). Talk to God from the contrite and broken heart. Before you pray, remove your lusts, ego, your unforgiving spirit and attitude.
The prayer of the people of Nineveh and its King brought prosperity to the nation (Jonah 3:5-8 a). He declared the fasting prayer as an urgent call to God (Jonah 3:8 b). The prayers of the Nineveh were focused on results and changes. Their only aim was to reach God. Their prayer was preceded and accompanied by repentance and turning away from evil ways (Jonah 3:9-10). There was no hypocrisy but there was a spiritual complacency.
Esther’s prayer changed the law of the land, changed the heart of the ruler, heart of a King who ruled 127 countries stretching from India to Cush (Esther 1:1, 3:15-17).
Daniel’s prayer moved the hands of God, shook the heavenly places to send an appropriate answer to reveal the heavenly plans of God for his people, for the nations and his life journey (Daniel 9:1,3-4, 20-22). The prayer warriors must be righteous too.
3. The welfare of a nation depended on RIGHTEOUS people ( 2 Chronicles 7:14 c)
… And turn from their wicked ways…
When the wicked rise to power men hide; but when they perish, consistently righteous increase and become many (Proverbs 28:28). When the uncompromisingly righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh (Proverbs 29:2). When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but uncompromisingly righteous shall see the fall of the wicked (Proverbs 29:16). When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when a ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue (Proverbs 28:2). The people of Israel mocked God’s messengers. Despised his words, scoffed at his prophets (2 Chronicles 36:16). Now, what about your land of blessings – I mean your job, your entrepreneurship, etc., fortunes are depended upon your walk with God, your attitude towards righteousness and justice.
Righteousness exalts the Nation (Proverbs 14:34). Righteous saves the nation from corporate punishment, destruction as God explained to Abraham in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23, 32) because, the eyes of the Lord is always upon the righteous. He sustains them (Psalm 34:15, Psalm 37:17). Noah (Genesis 6:9), Daniel and Job (Job 1:1,10) are examples of Righteous people (Ezekiel 14:14,20). We also read about Lot as a man of righteousness (Genesis 2 Peter 2:8). The New Testament gives the records of righteous people like Joseph of Nazareth (Matthew 1;19), Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50) and Cornelius (Acts 10:22). They were appreciated for their righteous actions and deeds during their lifetime. Blessed is the nation whose God is YHWH (Psalm 33:12).
Many times people blame their rulers for all their problems, but God puts the responsibility on both rulers and followers. Both are to be righteous and have to deal righteously. Then they can be blessed and prosper. When a nation is disobedient and rebellious, their land is unstable and they have many different rulers. When people are righteous, they will have a righteous ruler - a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge – and will be stable over for the long term. The people of a nation must decide to honour and serve God and then He will be able to bless them and give them godly, consistent leader. Ronald Reagan President (the USA, 1984) said “…A state is nothing more than a reflection of its citizens; the more decent the citizens, the more decent the state. Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, there is a coarsening of society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure...” (site:lakewaybaptist.org).
Are you a righteous person? Can you be a pillar for rebuilding the nation? The earnest prayer of the righteous will bring blessings to the nations (James 5:16). Romans 8:30-33 exhort that ‘all those who are called by God are also justified through Him’. They are righteous. Now a righteous person is the one who lives with a clear conscience and does upright things after born again experience. If we are saved we are righteous. The responsibility lies on us to lead the nation to prosperity and welfare.
Conclusion
Dear friends, now the welfare of your life, your company, your church, your society and nation completely depend on you. Your prayer, your right dealings with one another, your wisdom with God-fearing attitude will bring good fortunes and prosperities to all. You’re rebellious and disobedient attitude make you align with evildoers to bring failures and destruction. God bless you to be a channel of blessings. God help us to bring welfare to our nations.
