It has been a turbulent past month.  As I write, we are reaching thirty days since Charlie Kirk’s death.  During that time, many voices have spoken out via television, podcasts, social media, and more; though they might come from significantly different points of view, they all seem to agree on one thing: “someone should DO something!”  I understand and respect those who feel strongly that Christians must rise up and speak out (and indeed there are times when Jesus and the Scriptures require us to do so). However, may I suggest another possible action option?  

As Jesus followers, our Father has provided us with a timeless response to chaos, crisis, and difficulty.  It is clearly laid before us in 2 Chronicles 7.13-14.  

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people….” (2 Chronicles 7.13)

Present-day Americans may not deal with locusts, but droughts and illness outbreaks are still realities, and we certainly are aware of the additional challenges that flow from social and political unrest.   Given this past month and these past few years, we should pay close attention to what God says next.

…if my people, who are called by my name…. (2 Chronicles 7.14a)

Notice the conditional “if”—decisions need to be made intentionally.  More than that, note the group God calls upon for a response.  Yes, government officials need to be called upon to act righteously, political activists need to find ways to temper their rhetoric, and Americans need to consider the consequences of the cultural choices they are making.  Still, in times of chaos, God places the burden of response directly on US—“His people, called by His name.”  In God’s economy, it is His people who are called to action.  And here is that action….

…will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…(2 Chronicles 7.14b)

It is critical to process what God is calling His people to do in the face of crisis, upheaval, and uncertainty.  It is not to position ourselves as a voice of judgment, but instead to take a posture of humility before God in recognition of our shared responsibility for the brokenness.  It is not to protest or organize political marches or seek social change from outside action; instead, we are called to prayer and earnest seeking of God, in recognition that HE is the one who is sovereign, able, and trustworthy to bring righteousness, peace and justice to bear.  We are not called to match the volume and passion of the culture in assuring that those “out there” understand their failures; instead, we are called to “turn from our wicked ways.”  I find it powerful that the sum of these words is that we as Christians are called to humbly fall before our God and seek forgiveness for OUR sins, our failures, and our lack of living as salt and light in the midst of a broken world.

…then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7.14c)

Two truths jump from this closing statement from God.  First, we as His people must recognize that HE is the ultimate source of all that is good, all that is righteous, and all that is just.  Unlike the rest of society, which turns to finances or politics or government or universities or philosophies for hope and transformation, we are called to put God is His rightful position as “Prime Mover.” 

Second, we must hear the conditional “if-then” clearly.  God is not tying His action to the provision of the proper political system or governmental activity or societal moral shift.  Instead, God tells us His action is predicated on His people humbling themselves, praying, seeking Him, and repenting of our own brokenness.  In so doing, we open the door for God to bring needed change.  May we devote ourselves freshly to following God’s prescription for transformation in the midst of chaos.