May 15 Devotion: Standing in the Gap

Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, 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.

It is interesting that the word “gap” or “gaps” is only found in Ezekiel and both times it refers to a breach in a hedge. (Ezekiel 13:5 and Ezekiel 22:30) A breach is a break or opening that would allow infiltration which undermines the very reason for the hedge. The hedge is intended to be an enclosure that protects that which is within it. It is obvious that there is a need for the gaps to be closed (to “make up”) and this verse in chapter 22 tells us that God was looking for someone to “stand in the gap”.

There is much that needs to be protected and when there is a “gap” in the hedge the precious things within are vulnerable to attack. Consider some things that you may find within the hedge that need protection. Our testimony for God, our fellowship with the Lord, our families, our communities, our nation, our church, our ministry, our minds, our Bible, and the list can continue. If we are lax in our stand for the Lord, we then allow the potential for a breach in the hedge. I know that ultimately it is the Lord that protects but he clearly states that he is looking for someone that will stand in the “gap” on his behalf. Are we stepping up to “make up the hedge” or are we nowhere to be found. God cares about what is within the hedge and we should care enough to make a stand in the breach, declaring that the infiltrator (the thief) shall not pass through to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)

There are gaps in the hedge. Let us “make up the hedge” by answering the call of this simple command from Ephesians 6:14, “Stand therefore”. Be counted in the number that will stand up, stand up for Jesus.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5