The Rewards of Humility 2 Chronicles 7:14:

There are more passages in the Bible which promise rich rewards to the humble than there are admonitions to be humble. We’ll look at eight of them over the next few days, moving more or less in order through the Bible. The promise phrases in each passage will be highlighted. 

2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This is arguably one of the most famous Bible passages on humility. It brings up a subject we have not yet addressed – humility as repentance.

In context, this verse is talking about people who have rebelled against God and are now facing painful consequences. Frequently, texts which speak of “humbling oneself” are talking about recognizing sin, confessing it, accepting the responsibility for it, and submitting to both the consequences and God’s authority. This is indeed a “lowering of the eyes,” even a downcast face. “I was wrong. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” These are some of the most important words in the world. They are important between people, but even more so between a person and God. Nothing hurts so badly as being out of step with one’s Creator. That’s precisely why so many people in this world hurt so badly. Most of them don’t even know why.

Then a Christian comes and tries to tell them why, and makes things worse than ever because he forgot he too, like every human, is out of step with God. Maybe not so badly, right now. Maybe right now he can see well enough to recognize the dissonance, the out-of-balance, irregular rhythm of his friend’s life. If he humbly remembered his own irregularities, he could probably would make a connection with his friend and help bring a reconciliation without causing even deeper wounds. Maybe together they could go to the throne of mercy, cast down their eyes and the crowns of their self-consequence, humble themselves, and pray. Seek God’s face together, and ask the Spirit for power to recognize and turn from their wicked ways.

Because, if they do, the promises are amazing. “I will hear.” Not “I might hear,” or “I’ll think about it.” Not “You had it coming, don’t come crawling to Me!” “I will hear, I will forgive.” And not only that, “I will heal their land!” This is surprising, and easily open to misinterpretation. Without a clear view of Bible prophecies, or for that matter, a careful reading of the context, there are many who believe this means God will turn a particular nation into a moral, peaceful kingdom of God on earth. Remember, the context is a drought. God is saying He will heal the land, not the political entity. We should also bear in mind that as we near the end and the earth wears out “like a garment” (Heb. 1:11), as those who “destroy the earth” (Rev. 11:18) continue their selfish pillaging, God will be less able to make this a reality globally. He does promise that His followers’ bread and water will be sure, (Isa. 33:1) and if we are careful stewards, He will preserve and restore the health of our land as long as possible.