Standing in the Gap Ezekiel 22:30

Ezekiel 22:23-31 “Son of man, say to her: “You are a land that is not cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.” (22:23) A land filled with corruption

Ezekiel 22:23-31 The prophets prophesied falsely 22:25, 28 The priests were corrupt – 22:26 The leaders were like wolves – 22:27 The people oppressed the poor – 22:29

Ezekiel 22:23-31 God’s wrath - 22:13-16 Sadly: Is the scene today much different in moral character?

Ezekiel 22:23-31 Ezek. 22:30, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” The gap was a breach in the wall, cf. Nehemiah 1-6

Standing in the Gap Jeremiah 5:1, “Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; See now and know; And seek in her open places If you can find a man, If there is anyone who executes judgment, Who seeks the truth, And I will pardon her.”

Standing in the Gap Mal. 1:9-10, "Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” Says the Lord of hosts, "Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.”

Standing in the Gap Abraham interceding for Sodom – Gen. 18:23-32 Moses at Mt. Sinai – Ex. 32:10-14 Phinehas – Num. 25:6-9 Samuel – 1 Sam. 12:23

Standing in the Gap David against Goliath – 1 Sam. 17 Jesus our intercessor – Heb. 7:25, 2 Cor. 5:21

Will we stand in the gap? It is no secret we live in a wicked society! We need walls! Where there are “gaps” we need someone, ANYONE, to stand in the gap for God!

Will we stand in the gap? Elders – Titus 1:9-10, Ac. 20:28-32 Preachers – Ac. 20:27, 2 Tim. 4:2-4 Teachers – 1 Pet. 4:11, Eph. 4:11-16

Will we stand in the gap? Parents – Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21, cf. Heb. 5:9-10 Men who will defend the home!

Will we stand in the gap? Churches that will stop worldliness and false doctrine from creeping in - Eph. 5:25-26, 1 Cor. 5:6, Rev. 3:15-19 God’s Word – Gal. 1:6-9, Titus 2:1, etc.

Will we stand in the gap? In our own lives! By example – Matt. 5:16, Phil. 2:15 Standing for truth – 1 Pet. 3:15, Eph. 4:15, Jude 3

Will we stand in the gap? In our own lives! Between good and evil – James 4:7, 1 Pet. 3:10- 11, 1 Tim. 6:11 Concerning our attitudes – Phil. 4:8, Eph. 4:31-32, Col. 3:12-14

Will we stand in the gap for God?