Are You Standing In the Gap?

Holy Land Picture of the Day

Steps at Masada Today's picture is of steps in the path leading up to the legendary Herodian desert fortress of Masada, where members of the Jewish rebel factions which revolted against The Steps to Masada.  The Jews made there last stand against Rome in 70,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           as recorded by the historian Josephus in his book "The Jewish Wars." It reminds us of Job 31:4; "Does He not see my ways and number all my steps".                            “I searched for man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it, but I found no one” (Ezek. 22:30)   Hey Gang:  It seems each time the phone rings it is to let us know that another of our friends, church members, relatives have been stricken by some infirmity.  I used to have a page in my prayer journal designated for those who were suffering from some illness.  Now I have it broken down by categories;  cancer, diabetes, heart problems—name it, it is there. It seems that almost everybody is affected, either directly or through a family member or close friend who is suffering. When facing trials, how do you respond?  Do you first place your trust in God?  King David wrote, “He only is my rock and my salvation; my stronghold; I shall not be moved”  (Psalm 62:2). But he does not leave it there:  “Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (v. 8).  Do we really believe and live by David’s words? Paul challenged the Corinthians to take ‘stock of themselves’. He says “Check yourselves – are you really in the faith?”  ...” Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5-7).   Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that it is not enough to “appear” to be fulfilling the physical requirements of the law. The Pharisees did that, but were disqualified. He minced no words when he gave his opinion of the faith levels of the scribes and Pharisees, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27-28).  Through the prophet Ezekiel, God gave a powerful warning: “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” (Ezekiel 22:30). Today, Jesus Christ stands in the gap for us, as our intercessor and great High Priest. Are we willing to stand in the gap for our brethren who are suffering? James tells us the “prayer of the faithful avails much” (James 5:16). Paul reminds us: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men”    (1 Timothy 2:1). Soooo, As we think of those around us who are suffering serious illness, are we offering our fervent and impassioned prayers of intercession with every fiber of our being?  The needs are great and the prayers few.   Paul says “Pray fervently?” Blessings.      Gramps