Today’s Reading, Ezekiel 21-22
Focal Scripture: Ezekiel 22:30 “I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one.”
Being willing to do what is necessary and needed is not always easy. I think of those who have served in the military who have given their lives to save their fellow soldiers. I think about people who are willing to give their lives for Christ out in the mission field. These men and women are willing to stand in the gap for another person, even if it costs them their life. To stand in the gap for someone is a decision of self sacrifice. It means you are willing to sacrifice the temporary for what is most important.
In today’s reading we see that before the Lord was going to judge the nation of Israel he was looking for a person to stand in the gap. The Bible says that he was searching and looking for a person who would stand before him and petition to him for the nation. He didn’t want to judge Israel but had to because nobody was worthy to be found.
Today’s devotion is very humbling and scary. Because if we ask ourselves if we would stand in the gap before the Lord for others, what would be our answer. I think most people would say yes they would stand in the gap. However, I believe that most would not actually go through with it or not have the heart they need to get it done.
I say this not to bash any person but to demonstrate how difficult it is to be a person who bridges the gap. It takes complete and total heart. It requires devotion to the scriptures that many people refuse to have in their life. It also requires a spirit that is willing to whatever it takes.
So the big challenge for us today is will we stand in the gap for those who are lost in our lives. This mindset will affect how we view other people we come across who are unbelievers. Standing in the gap for them means we care enough about their eternal soul we will explain to them Jesus with grace and truth. It also means that we will be people who are passionate about the eternity of others.
So who can you stand in the gap for today?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading, Ezekiel 23-24
