We must stand in the gap

I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord (Ezekiel 22:30-31).

The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him and his own righteousness sustained him (Isaiah 59:16).

The Bible is filled with examples of God searching for those willing to fight the spiritual battle for their land. The Lord is earnestly seeking those who are obedient and are willing to stand in the gap and intercede on the behalf of others. He doesn't care who it is that stands in the gap, just that somebody does. It is our job as Christians to intercede for others just as Christ intercedes for us. I know this sounds like a difficult task, and many feel that they are not equipped to do such a thing, but we know that God has equipped His saints for ministry and He always prepares us to do the work He has set out for us to do. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will(Romans 8:26-34).

Just as God spoke the following words to Solomon, he was also speaking them to us, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from my wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:2 to Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.) He also says the following in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings, and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all goodness and holiness. This is good and please God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

It is our job to intercede and stand in the gap. The Bible reminds us that Jesus is constantly interceding for us, Now there have been many of those priests , since death prevented them from continuing in office, but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:23-25) Who is He that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34). If we are to be Christ like, we must follow His example and intercede for others in need.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). So let us be obedient to God and please Him; Let us stand in the gap today!