2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part III

Part III – Humbling Ourselves

“If my people…will humble themselves…”

When our boys are rebellious sooner or later they usually come into subjection under their parents (usually). However sometimes it is not until we put into practice the “this is going to hurt me worse than it’s going to hurt you” principle. I will assure you, as a father I gain no joy or pleasure when I have to force my sons to respect and obey me. On the contrary though, it is hard for me to put into words the pride, joy, and love I experience when I ask them to do something, and they say, “Yes sir”, and hop to it.

The word humility is only used four times in the Old Testament, and is a synonym for meekness. To be humble on the other hand is used thirty-eight times, and means to be brought low before someone. The best way to understand the word humble is that it is the opposite of pride. Proverbs 29:23 “A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” If you can picture someone bowing before a king you understand the Old Testament use of ‘being humbled’.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we are not talking about a vanquished foe, but instead the author is describing a nation who has turned away from their God, is suffering the consequences of rebellion, and is now returning on bended knee seeking forgiveness. The key is not simply that they have been humbled, but THEY HUMBLED THEMSELVES.

What kind of relationship do you have with your heavenly Father? Do you honor, respect, and obey God simply because you love Him, or do you only HUMBLE yourself before the Lord when you are forced to by difficult situations in life?

aj