Nothing new under the sun. Psalm 106:23 Moses STOOD IN THE GAP for Israel. The nation seems to have forgotten their previous cry-out to God in despair and anguish as victims of brutality in Egypt. In addition to His miraculous signs and wonders, deliverance from bondage and the LORD’S care for them in the wilderness. Yet they felled by the “Wayside” into the sin of lust and worship of false gods made in golden images. God’s punishment was death. Therefore He [God] said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the breach (gap), to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them.
Quickly to forget like many—of how God brough us through situations like: rescue from domestic violence relationships; helped my child who was failing in school; I was homeless, now I have a place to stay; blessed me with a better job; and saved me from a near accident. False beliefs-a set-up for failure. My life is better now so “I really don’t need God like that anymore.” Or displays of normalized behavior. Now the leader and/or a follower of the wrong crowd. We look for and partake in “Stuff” that gives false hope and temporarily good feelings and fun. But there is still hope. Believers are no longer under the law (old testament), the penalty of death for our sins like Israel. Today we thank You, LORD for Jesus. The One who bore all of our sins on the cross-our Savior and more.
One more Ezekiel 22:30-31 “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. Therefore have I poured out Mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the LORD GOD.” In behalf of all believers “Thanks for our New Life—recipients of the LORD’s unmerited grace, favor, mercy and better covenant.
New-better Covenant prophesized Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart (represents the fruit of the Spirit) also will I give you, and a new spirit (the Spirit of Christ) will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh (the meaning of scripture to convey spiritual truths about the human condition, moral character, and the relationship between humanity and God (Tropical Encyclopedia). 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Zechariah 4:6 “Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the Word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power (not by human strength nor power), but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. An assurance of comfort and encouragement that is still available for us today.
Now the promise of the new and better covenant arrived John 19:30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost (died). Scriptures fulfilled. The promises of God gives you and me the power of STANDING IN THE GAP.
Our mandates of STANDING IN THE GAP 1Timothy 2:1-4 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Let us remember God has given us everything we need to be in “Right standing with Him.” (1) The power of His new and better covenant living in us. (2) His power might and strength (3) James 3:9-10 “The ability to speak blessing, not cursing”. (4) Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (5) Romans 2:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
No we are not perfect but striving for perfection through Christ Jesus. We are not orphans without a Savior who is our present help. STANDING IN THE GAP for believers to stop lying on other believers, bring to a halt schemes and tricks among church family for selfish gains, to love the person but hate the sinful behavior, to convict the hearts of those in leadership involved in drinking alcohol in the church building like they are sipping water, getting high from other substance and involved in sexual pervasive behaviors which includes posting on social media. Then LORD the troubles of this world-collectively and individually. Believers feel free to add to the list. So LORD while STANDING IN THE GAP we humbly present ourselves before You. Asking LORD for the forgiveness of all my and those STANDING IN THE GAP sins and more. Now we declare the manifestations of your divine interventions before we see it in the natural. Because the price has already been paid and the victory has been won. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!!!
