An Excuse to Show Grace

- Pastor Dawson Oquist

“The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the foreigner, denying them justice. “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.” – Ezekiel 22:29-30 (NIV)

We are no strangers to extortion, favoritism, or unfairness. It's all around us. What is our response? How do we make a difference? Our first response can be resignation, joining in, or taking up the role described in Ezekiel. We can stand in the gap.

What does it mean to stand in the gap? In Ezekiel, the image we get is a military one; the enemy has destroyed a portion of our walls and now has access to all of our citizens. When the walls are breached, the wall must be rebuilt, or a detachment of soldiers must stand in the gap so the enemy can't enter. In this case, injustice has opened the wall, and no one is fighting for justice. No one was standing in the gap.

God looks for individuals willing to be used to make a difference. God desires to bring life, not death; to bring freedom, not condemnation; to bring healing, not cause more pain. God looks for any excuse to show mercy, grace, and love. He can even use our prayers as an excuse! To stand in the gap, we must pray for salvation and allow God to use us to make a difference.

What gap are you standing in?

Make a Difference:

Who do you need to stand in the gap for? What name came to mind when reading this devotional today? What wall can you rebuild or healing can you pray for in their life?

As You Read:

Process what it would mean to have the walls of your house penetrated. How exposed would you feel? Ezekiel is trying to mobilize people to make a difference. Who do you know that is vulnerable for whom you can stand in the gap?