Day 204: A Way for the Backslider to Return

Today’s Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Central Thought: If we repent of our sins and turn back to God, He will receive us.

This verse is a portion of God’s answer to Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. Past experience revealed that God’s people sometimes forget their spiritual roots, fail God, and sin. To put it bluntly, God’s people are prone to backsliding!

This concerned Solomon. He did not want his people to lose out with God. It was important to him that there be a way for the people to come back to God.

Solomon’s prayer was intense. He cried out words like these, ‘Lord, if they sin and fall away, please don’t reject them. Receive them back if they turn back to You.”

God’s answer is clear. He knows the hearts of men. Although they should not backslide, they do. But God has made a way for them to come back to Him. It is through repentance—turning away from one’s sins and turning back to the Lord. Solomon’s prayer was answered.

But God’s grace goes beyond that. He promised not only to forgive their sin but also to ‘heal their land.” The fruits of their labors would be blessed as they walked with God. The rains of heaven would come down upon them. This is a promise from God.

People today still need a way back to God when they fall into sin. Human nature hasn’t changed; men still backslide. But God hasn’t changed either. He still forgives and receives all who will sincerely repent and turn to Him.

Devotional prayer: Lord, help me to willingly admit my sins and repent rather than try to cover them and hope no one else knows about them.

Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10; Romans 7:14-8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25