Stand In The Gap

Daily Devotion for March 3, 2004

Through Ezekiel, the prophet, God relates some of the reasons why he had poured out His indig- nation and fury upon Israel and Juda (Ezekiel 22).

Israel's prophets were cruel and were taking from the poor and needy to enrich themselves (Ezekiel 22:25). Her priests were neglecting their responsi- bilities, making no difference between the holy and the profane, etc. (Ezekiel 22:26). Her princes (leaders) were "like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain" (Ezekiel 22:27).

Israel's prophets were misrepresenting the Lord by speaking lies in His name (Ezekiel 22:28). The general population "used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully" (Ezekiel 22:29).

Was the Lord pleased with this situation? Was He standing by waiting for their sin to become so great that it would demand His righteous indignation? No!

God "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" (Ezekiel 22:30).

Is the Lord pleased with the suicidal path our county is currently traveling? As our society seems bend upon going against the way of righteousness and morality, is the Lord seeking for someone to stand in the gap and make up the hedge?

There are many hedges that have been broken down in our day. Am I willing to stand in the gap? Are you willing to stand in the gap?

Yours in hope,

Elder Wayne Crocker