Who Can Make Up The Hedge?

Published by: Editor on Wed, 24 March 2004 01:22:45 | (3038 Reads)
Originally Written by: Elder Wayne Crocker on

Elder Culver's Daily Devotion for March 4, 2004

"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" (Ezekiel 22:30).

Hopefully, we have not yet reached the condition that existed in the time of Ezekiel. I truly believe that there are a good number of Christians in America today that are serving as salt and light in the midst of cor- ruption and darkness. They are "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom (they) shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).

However, there are so many who have been given this responsibility, who have become part of this world problem rather than standing against it. Others are slothful, lacking godly zeal, and do nothing but pray occasionally about the problems affecting our families, churches, and country.

This may be partially due a defeatist mindset that has spread throughout much of Christianity. Sure, we are told, there is ultimate victory through the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, but there is nothing you can do about the corruption around you. The defeatists tell us the Bible says things are just going to get worse and worse. Apparently our early American forefathers did not find the Bible saying that. In the Providence of God they went about fighting for the right against what seemed impossible odds. Things got much better for the Lord's church for over two centuries!

Most surely, the perfect solution to all our problems is the Lord's return. But the time of that event has not been revealed to us. Jesus gave certain signs that would take place before the end of the Jewish world that occurred in 70 A.D., and there may be similar signs before the end of time. One telling sign is the loosing of the Devil so that he will deceive the nations once more (Revelation 20:7-9).

Our responsibility remains the same regardless of when the Lord comes back whether it is tomorrow, next year or a thousand years from now. Jesus taught the lesson that his disciples should occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13).

In order to be able to stand in the gap and make up the hedge, one's life must be godly. A man, woman, boy or girl must have many of the traits that are given as qualifications for a minister or deacon. They must be "vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality... Not given to wine” (or any mind altering substance) (I Timothy 3:2-3). Read the other traits in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1:7-8).

Yours in hope,

Elder Wayne Crocker