2Chronicles7: 14 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.
REPENTANCE(B)
I read about an American preacher who preached in a programme in Japan. He was moved to ask God for forgiveness on behalf of America because of the havoc they wrecked in Japan during world war II in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He adopted the Nehemiah's template when he asked the Lord to forgive the sins of America during the war. He stood on the altar as a representative of America, he personalized the sins of America during the war as though he committed the sin with others. After the prayer, he had peace. Look at Nehemiah's prayer: "listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that WE have sinned against you. Yes, EVEN MY OWN FAMILY AND I HAVE SINNED! WE have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses." (Nehemiah 1:6-7 NLT)
I want you to note the word "We" in that text. Nehemiah didn't say "they". He included himself in that "We" as though he was part of those that sinned. That's the posture of an intercessor during penitential prayer for the nation. The attitude of an intercessor is not a holier- than- thou attitude. An intercessor identifies with the people in God's presence so that he can draw God's mercy down. That's how the prayer for national repentance works. You don't go to God and say, "Father, forgive their sin of corruption". Rather, it should be, " Father, forgive our sin of corruption as a nation." The shortcomings of the nation is the shortcoming of all. We get ourselves involved in the rot in one way or the other, that's why we can't be left out. Nigerians made Nigeria what it is today not Americans. Even though we know that leadership has not been qualitative, we must understand that individual decisions have had a far reaching effect on the nation.
Sometimes ago, I told someone that whenever corruption is institutionalized, everyone partakes in it willingly or unwillingly. Some may not agree but it is true. There are certain institutions where they have their abnormal ways of doing things. No order, no transparency. They've accepted corruption as the norm from the greatest to the least. If you have anything to do with such institutions, it may be hard to escape being part of the rot in that system. That's why when we go to God, our manner of presentation must be "We" not "they". It is time to start accepting responsibility for our actions as individuals and collectively. That song writer said, " Lord, we are sorry. We've turned around and gone astray, your Lordship we have all despised,...forgive us Lord we pray, bring down your glory."
Father, we have sinned as a nation. We are corrupt and have forsaken the path of social justice. We come to you with a penitent heart. Transform us so that we can transform our nation, in Jesus name.