Mind the Gap, Part 1
If you have ever ridden a subway train in any country, you’ve seen the signs and heard the announcements to “mind the gap” when entering and exiting the train. These warnings refer to the gap between the platform and the train, which is a trip hazard and has the potential catch a heal or stroller wheel and get you stuck for a bit.
Christians have some gap-minding to do as well.
Ezekiel 22:29-30 [KJV] 29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. 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.
I believe that just as God sought someone to stand in the gap for the people of Israel during Ezekiel’s time, Christians are called to be the people who stand in the gap for the world today.
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up a hedge, and stand in the gap before Me…”
No gap-minder showed up for Israel, so God unleashed His indignation on them (verse 31).
What about we Christians today? Are we, as the people of God, standing the gap for a world filled with oppression and robbery – world that continually vexes (annoys, frustrates) the poorest and neediest among us? Or are we failing this world that needs us so desperately to advocate for mercy, even though it is worthy of the unleashing of God’s indignation upon it?
What does it look like to stand in the gap for this world?
It looks like pouring out love for them in prayers for mercy, peace and safety, rather than seeking the time of wrath and tribulation to punish them.
Far too many Christians today would be happy to see the fulfillment of Ezekiel 22:31 [NKJV] "Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads," says the Lord GOD.”
Far too many, rather than having compassion on a world largely lost to sin, would seek to forbid sinners (at least certain types of sinners) from attending church or even refuse to bake them cakes or serve them in other ways.
Sisters, we are not called to judge this world. Luke 6:37 [NKJV] "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
We are called to show mercy. Matthew 5:7 [NKJV] “Blessed [are] the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”
The world needs a champion to stand in the gap that sin has created. This world needs an advocate, until the day it is willing to accept the Champion and Advocate of us all – Jesus – as Savior and King.
Ezekiel indicates that had someone been found to stand in the gap, Israel would have been spared.
Sweet sisters, will you be a gap-minder for this world? Will you be a prayer warrior for mercy? Will you plead for mercy, love, peace and patience to be poured out from the Father? Or will you leave this world to “fire of God’s wrath” and destruction?
I’ll continue the theme of standing in the gap in my next blog. Until then, I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org.