STAND IN THE GAP

Stand-in-the-Gap

INTRODUCTION

Stand in the gap for the land is a dire need for nations who no longer have godly leadership; having allowed the ungodly to gain control, with little regards to what loss of godly leadership will entail!

It was noted that if truth is not diffused (promulgated), error will be; If the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end (Daniel Webster).


Stand in the Gap
Democracy of a Nation

There are nations, and individuals, who seek to gain power by removal of individual liberty, controlling movements and even thoughts of others!  We are witnessing a world in turmoil through chaos and failed leadership; a lack of promoting godly instruction that previously existed. 

Apostle Paul wrote: The Spirit speaks expressly (clearly), that in the latter times (which we are in) some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing (deceiving) spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Undermine the Truth

In Apostle Paul’s day some were promoting deception to sway the people.  We are seeing a similar situation today with deceit attempting to undermine the truth; with the media bias in its reporting, concealing the truth to benefit left-wing ideology by planting half-truths. 

Rather than stand in the gap for the truth; many cater to the political ideology of the day!  There are progressives who introduce destructive heresies to undermine democracy of a nation towards Socialism; which would withdraw liberties enjoyed in a democracy.

Advocate of Socialism

A advocate of Socialism reported that such is the religion that must overcome Christianity; that in the New Order, Socialism will triumph by first capturing the culture via infiltration of schools, universities, churches, and the media by transforming the consciousness of society (Antonio Gramsci). 

The stigma that allows such to happen is that citizens fell to exercise their response ability and let things be.  Napoleon stated: The World suffers not because of the violence done by the wicked but because the righteous keep silence.  I thank God for those; who despite criticism, and persecution, will stand in the gap for truth; and not remain silent!

Oppression and Robbery

Fifty-Six

The Prophet Ezekiel, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed (mistreated) the poor and needy; they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. 

I sought for a man among that that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.  Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath; their own way (deeds) have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God (Ezekiel 22:29-31).

The hedge represented that which was broken down by transgressions of the people, who exceeded all bounds of law and justice; no longer restrained from doing so, with no one to set a godly example for the good of the land, to pray for them as Moses did for the people; no repairer of the breach, no one to point out the good paths to dwell in!  

Wicked & Righteous

Scripture reveals: The wicked are overthrown and are no more: but the house of the righteous shall stand (Proverbs 12:7).  The wicked are overthrown as that of Sodom and Gomorrah; as Babylon a millstone into the sea and no more; but the house of the righteous will stand! 

It was noted that the house of the living God, the pillar and growth of truth; its pillars firm and stable, the doctrines of it being the Word of God which stands forever.  It will stand despite all the persecutions of men.  Jesus said to Apostle Peter: I say to you, that you are Peter (representing the church), and upon this rock (foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of Hell (forces of evil), shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18)!

Persecution from Wicked

Scripture reveals: There are many devices (plans) in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that will stand (Proverbs 19:21).  It was noted that there are many devices in a man’s heart to get wealth and riches; to obtain honor and glory among men, to gratify carnal lusts and sensual appetites, to do mischief to others particularly the people of God; to hinder the cause and interest of Christ, through a mere outward profession of faith but not the genuine article!

Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord shall stand; never to be frustrated by the devices (plans) of man, persecutions from wicked men, the craft of false teachers; or the ridicule of a profane world, but will continue till all the elect are gathered in, even to the end of the world!

Wisdom of God

Spirit-of-Wisdom

Apostle Paul wrote: Your faith should not stand (be) in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5).  It was noted that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God; with a faith in Christ, and the doctrines of the Gospel, which comes by hearing, not to be attributed to human endeavors, or upon a sandy foundation; but that it might be ascribed, as it ought to be, by Almighty power, supported by such, and at last finished and fulfilled with it. 

Jesus said: Because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax (grow) cold.  But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved. And the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:12-14).

Equipped for Battle

The Apostle Paul wrote: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. For we (the believer) wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take upon you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day (which we are in), and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13)!  

The whole armor of God consists of: Righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  God has provided much for the believer; to fight against the evil of our day, prepared and ready, and to expect spiritual warfare.  That the believer may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil; who is the enemy of Christ and His people, being powerful and cunning, requiring the whole armor of God to withstand and gain victory over him!

Resist in the Faith

Apostle Peter wrote: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour; but resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished (experienced by) your brethren that are in the world. 

But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect, established, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:8-10).  The Christian (believer in Christ) has been equipped to stand in the gap; to be victorious and not defeated!

Failure to Stand

A time when the people did not stand in the gap for the land was noted by the Prophet Ezekiel: You have not gone up into the gaps (breaches), neither made up the hedge (built up a wall) for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord (Ezekiel 13:5).  It was noted that the people had not stood in the gap for the land that God would not destroy it; after having seen the sins of the people like a mighty torrent, opening the breach for the wrath and judgments of God to pour upon them. 

There was no call for prayer made in intercession to God for the people, no wall which was normally made by the besieged to withstand, instead were open for judgment of God to fall!  There is a similar pattern, in many lands, as evilness overrides the righteousness of God with the people loving to have it so!

Failure to Heed the
Words of the Lord

The Prophet Jeremiah in speaking the words of the Lord, cried out: Thus saith the Lord, stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16). 

The people’s stubborn refusal to walk in the ways of the Lord was often mentioned by Jeremiah.  Moving in their own paths and following their own way would only lead to destruction.  We are seeing a similar refusal to hear the voices of those attempting to give warning; as the way of the unrighteous becomes more appealing!  

A Great Need

There is a great need for more Ezekiel’s and Jeremiah’s to sound the alarm, to stand in the gap for the land that God will not destroy it, rather than remain silent, or caught up in the cultural drift of the land! Dereliction of duty (remaining silent) will not promote the necessary changes needed in a society that has drifted from its moral foundation.  

If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity (Daniel Webster).

Taking a Stand

A society that caves in to ungodliness requires one to step up, and stand in the gap for the land, that God will not destroy it! I thank God for those who take a stand against the evils of our day; but often it is as little David facing the giant Goliath, who was the only one willing to stand in the gap for the land (as previously mentioned).  However, David was not alone in facing such a formidable foe; neither is the believer who will stand for the truths of God’s Word and His righteousness!

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