King David lived under the law, so the only way the curse could be removed because of Saul\’s sin was to let the Gibeonites have revenge on Saul\’s house. Under the law it was an “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (see Ex 21:24). However, we are no longer under the law. The cross of Jesus now removes the curse.
Even so, there must be an acknowledgment of sin, and repentance for the cross to be applied. For there to be repentance, there must be an identification with the sinner, or credentials for repentance. It required the king of Israel to repent for the sins of the previous king. Likewise, only a white man can repent of the sins of white men against blacks. Only a Baptist could repent for the sins of the Baptists, or a Charismatic for the sins of the Charismatics.
“Reconciliation” movements have arisen in the church in recent years to do just this. They have resulted in extraordinary releases of God\’s grace on cities, countries, and even whole regions of the world. Repentance for social and spiritual sins committed in our history is not the only thing that is needed to release revival, but it can sometimes be the spark that brings the release of life and light. Our personal repentance can do the same in our personal lives. This can also be true for a church. Many churches suffer under an unnecessary curse because they have not repented for previous sins that they committed as a church, or even the sins of previous leaders of the church.
In the text from Genesis about Cain, the curse from the ground caused him to become a wanderer on the earth. Because man was created to cultivate the earth, the earth needs man. However, we can never be completely at home, or at peace with the earth, until the curses have been removed that are the result of human sins against one another. This is why the problems with refugees, such as the Jews and the Palestinians, are problems that can threaten the peace of the whole world. The reason that regions cannot seem to free themselves from poverty can often be traced to the sins of previous generations. In all things, repentance can be the beginning of the release of God\’s grace and favor in our lives.
- Pray that every arrow shot at you (at Ramadan), every waste and destruction that comes with their words, shall turn back to sender. (Psalm 91:2-6)
- As the surahs are read seeking for their protection as Allah determines the course of world events by raining curses and reversing the destinies of nations to give his followers unfair advantage, declare Psalm 18:1-3, 46:1-3, 91:1, Prov 18:10.
- Pray that in this season as many as will call on the name of YHVH He will be a Fortress, a Strong Tower to give true protection from wickedness.