STANDING IN THE GAP

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” - Ezekiel 22:30

The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel during a spiritual low-point in Israel's history. Similar to our day, people turned their back on God and rejected His Word. Ezekiel chapter 22 was a scathing indictment upon the people of Jerusalem. God specifically listed His complaint against the people. Their sins included idolatry, violence, dishonoring of parents, extortion, oppressing the poor, sexual sin and much more.

The indictment against Jerusalem consisted of sins that closely mirror our society here in America. Due to the ongoing overt sins of our nation, eventually even church members get accustomed to the dark times in which we live. It shouldn't be that way, though. True believers should never consider wickedness normal or acceptable.

Judgment was about to fall on Jerusalem because of their sins. At this critical point the Lord said, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”

There was a huge gap between God and the people. Sin created the chasm that separated the people from God. Despite the fact that people consider themselves to be “spiritual” today, sin has separated people from God right here in the United States.

God sought someone --- anyone --- who would bridge the gap. Sadly, he found no one. There wasn't a righteous person in the land of Israel who could stand in the gap and prevent judgment from coming.

What about America in 2020? Can God find anyone who will stand in the gap today? I believe Christians are being called to rise up and make a difference by the power of the Holy Spirit. How can God use us to stand in the gap?

1. OUR PRESENCE

First of all, we can stand in the gap through our presence. God will use anyone that is surrendered to Him, living a holy, righteous life. Jesus instructs us to let our light shine in this dark world. Our wicked society is aggressively intimidating believers to have only a secret faith. It is time for Christians to be vital and visible followers of Jesus. The first century believers risked their lives as they boldly stood for Jesus. What is keeping us from standing for the Lord?

2. OUR PRAYERS

Secondly, we stand in the gap through our prayers. We need prayer-warriors to intercede with God on behalf of this sinful land. In this year with a critical Presidential election, we need to intercede on behalf of America and her future. While it is imperative for believers to vote in November, it is even more important for us to pray. Pray for our nation. Pray for the election. Pray for the Church. Intercede on behalf of lost souls.

3. OUR PROCLAMATION

Although our society is using intimidation to keep Christians silent, we need to boldly speak the truth of the Gospel. There has never been a time when the Gospel is needed more than right now. The Church has been quiet too long. We've allowed our freedoms to vanish … and yet we weren't very faithful in utilizing these freedoms while we had them. Spread the Gospel. It is the message that will change lives and alter the course of our nation. Stand in the gap and proclaim the Gospel.

The Gospel is the only hope for America. I'm glad that Jesus came and stood in the gap for sinners when He died upon the cross. There on the cross, suspended between heaven and earth, the Messiah bridged the gap between heaven and humanity. Through repentance and faith, individuals experience spiritual life through Jesus Christ. Aren't you glad He bridged the gap for us?

Right now we need to stand in the gap as Ambassadors of Christ. As His followers, we are called to stand in the gap for our neighborhood, our nation and the world. Despite the belief of most skeptics, America needs Christians like you and me. Even a casual reader of the Bible would have to agree that America is on a collision course with God's judgment. Like in Ezekiel's day, it may be that God is looking for someone --- anyone --- who will stand in the gap, possibly holding back the tide of judgment. God is looking for someone to stand in the gap for America.

Will you be that person?