STANDING IN THE GAP

“So, I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one”. Ezekiel 22.30

Oghenevwede A. Ubiuku, Minister
@COC Gura-Topp Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State

WELCOME: We live in a society today where immorality is applauded and morality disdained. It is no longer surprising that our days can now be likened to the sinful days of Sodom and Gomorrah. The wickedness has risen above the heavens.
Historical background of the text: during the days of the prophet Ezekiel, God’s judgment was against the nation because the corruption cut across every facet of their lives; from the priest to the prophets who tell lies, the leaders who are corrupt and hands stained with blood, the people were completely immoral beyond recognition.
So God's next action was to bring this nation to ruin, but He needed to see if someone would stand in the gap to intercede for the people, but He found none at that time.
Definition: for there to be a gap, it means there is something lacking. There is a breach, or crack, or loophole. Standing in the gap means stepping into a task no one would want to take up. It could also mean interceding. Like taking the position of an intercessor or a watchman.
Our days are not different from that of Ezekiel. We see religious corruption, political dishonesty, and moral decline in our society. God searches for someone to breach the gap shows God’s interest in saving the soul of man (2 Peter 3.9).
How are gaps created?
1. By broken trust.
2. By unfaithfulness (23).
3. By the hardening of the heart (Deuteronomy 30.19; Joshua 24.15). Hardening of hearts are self-inflicted and accountable.
4. Disobedience (1 Samuel 15.1-29; Isaiah 48.12-13).
How can we breach these gaps?
1. By prayers (James 5.14-18).
2. By intercession (1 Timothy 2.1-4).
3. By warning humanity of God’s impending wrath against all unrighteousness (Isaiah 21.6-8; Ezekiel 3.17; 33.7; Acts 20.31; 1 Thessalonians 5.14).
4. By sound teaching and correction in love (1 Timothy 1.10; 2 Timothy 3.15; Titus 1.9; Ephesians 4.15).
Who are we to stand in the gap for?
1. The weak brethren – Galatians 6.1; 1 Thessalonians 5.14
2. The married, unmarried, and divorced
3. Our children, youth, and elderly ones. Even our unsaved friends.
4. Religious and political leaders
Why do we need to stand in the gap?
Because God desires all men to be saved, not willing that any should perish – 1 Timothy 2.4; Titus 2.11-12; 2 Peter 3.9
Because God desires all men to live a holy life – 1 Peter 1.16
Because God desires all men to live in peace – 1 Timothy 2.3
Conclusion: while the world is derailing into more chaos of unrighteousness, God has not given up on Man’s salvation. To this end, Christ died that any who believe shall be saved (John 19.37; Mark 16.15-16). God is still searching for an intercessor like Ezekiel, will you rise up this moment and say like Isaiah:
“Also, I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me”. Isaiah 6.8
May the LORD help us to be ready for His use at all times in Christ name, amen.

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