“I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land, so I wouldn’t have to destroy it. But I couldn’t find anyone.” Ezekiel 22:30
Standing in the gap is defined as to expose oneself for the protection of someone/something, on behalf; or to defend for someone. When we stand in the gap for others, we are pleading God to have mercy on them, and help them in their helpless situations. By bearing one another’s burdens, we are fulfilling the law of Christ(Galatians 6:2). In the Bible, we see numerous people standing in the gap for the temple, land, people, etc.,
Abraham felt the obligation to protect his family from the upcoming destruction; so, he stood before the Lord with all humility yet with great boldness and faith to intercede for Lot. When the destruction came over Sodom, God remembered Abraham and saved Lot’s family. The Lord doesn’t want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. According to Jonah 4:2, our God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness; He is the One who relents from doing harm. Moses stood in breach before Him, to turn God’s wrath from the Israelites. Esther stood in gap for the salvation of the Jews. Nehemiah appealed to the king, for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The 11 tribes of Israel, came to the house of God weeping, and stood in place till dusk for the tribe of Benjamin as they were punished. God had mercy over Benjamin, because of the burnt and peace offerings rendered by the other tribes on behalf of them.(Judges 21)
Above all, Jesus Christ came into this sinful world, to stand in the gap between God and mankind, and to bring salvation to our lives. He is at the right hand of God, interceding for us constantly. God wants us to cultivate the character of Christ in us, and to intercede for the people around us, to repair the gaps in the spiritual wall, so that His favor is poured abundantly. We can stand in the gap for others through intercessory prayers and by helping out the needy in their difficult times. By doing so, we are pleased in the sight of God, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.
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