Patterns for PeaceSample

Standing In The Gap

As Christians, we need to recognize where our strength comes from. If the source of our strength is how people treat us or think about us, we’ll quickly discover that we’re always susceptible to outside opinions.

The good news is that when we embrace God's standards we receive God's strength. We can't expect God to give us unity if we don't embrace His standard of equality. Whenever we allow inequality, prejudice, stereotypes, and oppression to go unchecked and then we ask God to make us one, we are violating the very principle that creates unity.

However, when we stand in the place God has called us to be, the middle space, the space between the gates and at the center, He promises to be our source of strength. That's why what Paul said in his letter to the church at Rome is helpful. It shows us it's not about us living up to a standard, it’s about us living out of a standard. That’s the pattern that Jesus models for us, to stand in the middle.

One translation says it this way, "Jesus... is at the right hand of God interceding for us."

The word intercede literally means to go between. It’s someone who stands in the middle to make way for someone else. So taking a stand on an issue isn't wrong as long as we are standing in the right place. If we want to be like Jesus, then where we are to stand is in the center of justice and the center of truth. Even though standing at the center is uncomfortable it's precisely where we are supposed to be. We are supposed to stand in the gap.

Questions for reflection.

What do you think it means to stand in the gap for others?

Do you think we can expect God's strength if we don't embrace God's standards?