by Sandy Kirby Quandt

In the 6th Century B.C. Ezekiel, the priest taken into Babylonian captivity, spoke to the generation born in exile about the sins of the Israelites that brought them so low and also to sustain the faith of the exiles by predicting national restoration, the execution of justice upon their oppressors, and of national glory under David’s monarchy.

In the middle of the Old Testament book of Ezekiel God tells the priest God has been patient with the Israelites, but they continued to rebel and disobey his laws. He tells Ezekiel Jerusalem’s doom is inevitable.

Near the end of Chapter 22 the Lord said he looked for someone to stand in the gap before him on behalf of the land, but found no one.

In considering what it means to stand in the gap, I thought of several things.

• the story of the little Dutch boy who saved the village by placing his finger in the hole of the dike

• the workers who kept their weapons with them as they rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem after they returned from exile

• the prayer warriors who intercede before God on behalf of others

According to the dictionary, intercede means to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition and to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups; mediate.

Standing in the gap.

When we intercede for another we stand in the gap between them and God. We act as plugs in the hole in the dike.

God asked for someone to stand in the gap before him on behalf of the land. He asks the same of us today.

Will you join me, get on our knees, and be a gap stander?

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 “I looked in vain for anyone who would build again the wall of righteousness that guards the land, who could stand in the gap and defend you from my just attacks, but I found not one.” Ezekiel 22:30 (TLB)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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