Sin Markers

So Solomon finished the Temple of the LORD, as well as the royal palace. He completed everything he had planned to do in the construction of the Temple and the palace. Then one night the LORD appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. [2 Chronicles 7.11-14]

I know we all like to quote 2 Chronicles 7.14. But do we do so in light of its context?

We are given a clue as to the reason for droughts, loss, and plagues: that reason is sin. Why do I say sin? Because humility, prayer, and repentance are listed as being necessary for forgiveness from God.

Jesus said this:

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ [Luke 24.47]

Forgiveness comes in response to repentance. Repentance is necessary when there is sin! Sin is identifiable by its consequences: droughts, loss, plagues in 2 Chronicles 7.14. But elsewhere in the Bible the 'markers' of sin are defined even more clearly. Deuteronomy 28 gives an extensive list of sin 'markers.'

So, why, in our modern age, do we look at things clearly defined as sin 'markers' and not conclude we need to repent? It can only be for one reason: pride.

Father, forgive me for pride in my life to ignore the obvious sin markers in my life.