In Ezekiel 22:23-31 we note that Judah had turned her back on God, and worshipped idols like backslidden Israel. Judah failed to keep the Sabbaths, which were tokens of the covenant made with God. Judah no longer trusted God, but made alliances with foreign nations. In the text before us, Ezekiel points out the sins of Jerusalem and her impending doom:

The prophets made merchandise of the people – Ezekiel 22:25, 28.
The priests were violating, instead of teaching the law – Ezekiel 22:26.
The civil rulers were like wolves after the sheep – Ezekiel 22:27.
The people oppressed the poor and strangers – Ezekiel 22:29.

Because of these sins, God sought for a man to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). In doing so, he was to do the following.

He was to rebuke God’s people for their sins.
He was to stand against the tide of wickedness.
He was to teach the truth in the midst of error.
He was to prevent their destruction by a heathen nation.

However, no one would stand in the gap, so the city would experience the wrath and indignation of God (Ezekiel 22:30, 31).

Today, there is a gap between God and his people, because of an increasing disregard for truth (3 John 1-4). In view of such, the question needs to be asked; “Who Will Stand In the Gap?”

TOO MANY ARE CONTENT TO STAND ON THE SIDELINES WHILE OUR STRONGHOLDS ARE BEING BOMBARDED

The essentiality of baptism, obedience, Bible authority, marriage-divorce and remarriage, a cappella singing, etc., are all facing bombardment from both within and without. Many are
pre-occupied with worldly concerns (2 Timothy 4:10; Luke 8:14; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33). Likewise, many are thinking our cry is much to do about nothing. Legion is the number that says “Leave it alone, it will die out” (Acts 5:33-39). Time and time again, false brethren say “You are just envious of our success” (Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15, 16; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 John 9-11; Matthew 7:21-27). Many say, “Just preach Jesus and leave issues alone.” However, that cannot be done, because to preach Jesus is to preach the “issues” He is concerned with (Hosea 4:6; Acts 20:20, 26-27; Titus 3:10, 11). The church seems to be filled with those who are waiting for someone else to stand for them (Ephesians 6:10-17; Matthew 16:24). As they do so, they are inviting the adversary to have his way, thinking it is for the best, when the truth is, God’s way is best (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5-7; Joshua 24:14-16). It has always been that way, it will always be that way!

WHO SHOULD BE STANDING IN THE GAP?

Those who love God and His word – 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; Jeremiah 20:8, 9.
Those who have and hope to benefit from the truth – 1 Corinthians 9:14;
2 Timothy 2:2; Galatians 6:6.
All who have obeyed the truth – John 8:31, 32; Luke 17:17, 18.
Elders – Titus 1:9; Hebrews 13:17.
Teachers – James 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:16.
Parents and children – 2 Timothy 1:3-5; 3:14, 15; Ephesians 6:1-4.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT STANDING IN THE GAP?

Compromise of the truth – 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
Abandonment of the truth – 2 Timothy 4:1-3.
Increase of ungodliness – Romans 1:18-32.
Indignation and wrath of Almighty God – Romans 2:7-11.

The gap is real and broadening rapidly. More people are refusing to stand in the gap today than in the past. Let us not have to experience God’s wrath before we decide to stand in the gap, and support those who do.

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