The book of Ezekiel pulls no punches. Page after page records the impending judgement on Jerusalem, Israel and the surrounding nations. The Lord tired of his people pursuing other gods, and spoke of the punishment to result.

But the Lord also looked to extend mercy.

I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.

Moses stood in the breach in his day (Psalm 106:23), but no one stepped forward in the days of Ezekiel. Tragic losses followed.

What might it mean to stand in the gap on behalf of the land?

First it means I should pray. Pray for those around me, my family and neighbors. I should extend prayers for my leaders, both locally and nationally. I pray for wisdom, and for hearts turned to the things of the Lord.

Along with prayer, these words call for leadership. It may involve small steps to start, but helping where I can, serving my neighbor, and looking for ways to bless my community.

The Lord needs people to take the lead toward righteous living—never a path too crowded. Standing in the gap is not complicated, but it does take courage and perseverance.

Ezekiel 22:30 in week forty-four of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Ivan Aleksic