heal our land?

2 Chron. 7:14 (NLT)
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.

The United States is a sovereign nation made up of citizens of many religions, including atheism. It is not like the nation of Israel in Old Testament time where God’s people had their own country. When the Bible is speaking of the “land,” it is speaking of the gathered community of Jews in the Holy Land.

So why is it that some Christians treat the scriptures that speak of Israel as if it means any place where people live? The verse quoted above is a good example of this. Ever since we were attacked on September 11th this scripture has been referred to as an antidote for what ails us as a nation. But is that an accurate biblical interpretation?

Oh, believe me, Christians need to prayer for America. We need a lot of help. All Christians are called to pray for the nation they reside in, as well as other nations. But where is the connection to make an equivalence of “my people” and “Americans” or “their land” and “America”? In the passage cited, is it Christians who humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from wickedness? Then do other citizens who don’t do these things get a free pass on the forgiveness and healing? Just wondering.

Perhaps it is more likely that God’s people are called to humble themselves etc. and the influence we will have as we die to ourselves and live to benefit our neighbor will bring blessings to our country. Maybe I am just quibbling over language, but I think it is more than that. Treating America like it were Israel of old invites some fuzzy thinking. More tomorrow.