“God is Calling you to Stand in the Gap for Someone Today”

Ezekiel 22:30- 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.

The people of Israel fell into sin when they worshiped the golden calf. It would not be the last time God's people would fall into idol worship. They had forgotten the great things God had done for them. This angered God so much that he was going to destroy the whole nation. Only one thing changed God's mind in the matter and it was Moses. Psalm 106:23 says, Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them. Moses was a man willing to stand in the gap, sacrificially, for those who were not deserving of such sacrifice. This sacrificial love by Moses is called for among God’s people today. The prophet Ezekiel described another situation in which God's people fell into sin. God was ready to destroy the nation when he spoke to Ezekiel, asking him if there is a man willing to stand in the gap so that God would not have to destroy His people.

Judah was a man who stood in the gap on behalf of his younger brother Benjamin. Joseph held his brother Simeon hostage as insurance that the other brothers would bring Benjamin to Egypt. Judah had a long history of a me-focused life, but in this instance he came forward to stand in the gap for his younger brother. He responded to the anguish of his father, Jacob, by personally guaranteeing the safe return of both Simeon and Benjamin. Judah's sacrifice was rewarded in Gen. 42-43 read.

Just as Jesus Christ did, we are to be a vessel one that will stand in the gap on behalf of others who are not aware of their own vulnerable condition. It is a proactive sacrificial position. Who is God calling you to stand in the gap for today? Perhaps it is a mate, family, friend, associate, prostitute, alcoholic, drug attic, backslider, or your enemy. It may be someone who has not come to know the Lord, or a wayward child. Are you willing to become the sacrificial offering to God to change his plans of judgment because of your willingness to stand in their place? This is a hard teaching. This is what Jesus did for each of us. When we stand in the place of another, God moves because of our willingness to stand on their behalf. You may be the only person who will stand in the gap on someone else behalf.

Are you willing to stand in the breach of the wall for someone today? Will you make a sacrifice for someone else today?