Then” is the moment something happens. It can be now, or a moment in the future.
2 Chronicles 7:14-15 – If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
There is no place in Scriptures where this principle is more plainly stated than in Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6, and in the Lord’s response to him in 2 Chronicles 7:14-15. I urge you to take the time you need to read that passage listed in our Manna for Today. There we find one of the finest examples of intercession and response to that intercession anywhere in the pages of the Word of God. King Solomon deeply desired the great blessing of the Lord upon his people. However, because of his wisdom and understanding, he knew that the people could be fickle, easily turned from righteousness, and influenced to follow ungodly leaders and practices. It was with that knowledge that he addressed Jehovah in his intercession. In his prayer, he repeated a pattern he knew would occur. He used the IF/THEN pattern of reasoning as he reasoned with the Lord. Again and again he said, “IF” the people sin in some manner, but return to the Lord with true repentance, “THEN” respond to them by forgiving, receiving, and blessing them.
It was after that prayer of intercession for the people of Israel that the Lord responded in kind. And herein is a great lesson about how the Lord communicates with His people. Father does not use words, terms, phrases, and expressions that leave His people in a place of doubt or fear concerning matters of repentance and turning back to Him. Just as King Solomon used the IF/THEN pattern of communicating his intercession, so Father responded with the IF/THEN pattern in stating precisely what He would do. Once again, take the time to read our Text for Today. Well, dear one, God has not changed. He still follows the same pattern today, but He has even made it easier for us. We now have Jesus seated on Father’s right hand ever living to make intercession for us according to Father’s will. We have Jesus, our Intercessor, our Mediator, our Lord, our Savior, our Healer, our Provider, our King, and the authority to use His Name. And we likewise have Holy Ghost to help us in the process. We can sum it all up in simple terms. IF we will do as Father requires, THEN Father will do as we need and desire.
Manna for Today – 2 Chronicles 6:3 – 7:15; Luke 6:38; 1 John 1:9; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8
My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 