What can we learn about intercessory prayer from Ezekiel's plea in this verse? Context: A Vision of Judgment “While they were striking the city and I was left alone, I fell facedown and cried out, ‘O Lord GOD, are You going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel when You pour out Your wrath on Jerusalem?’” (Ezekiel 9:8) • Jerusalem’s sin has reached a tipping point; executioners mark and strike the guilty. • Ezekiel, witnessing the scene, is “left alone”—the only one speaking up. • His immediate reaction is to drop to the ground and plead for the people. The Heart Cry of an Intercessor • Personal involvement: Ezekiel is not detached; he feels the weight of judgment. • Humility: “I fell facedown” shows reverence and self-abasement before God. • Urgency: He prays while the judgment is already in motion. • Focus on the remnant: He clings to God’s covenant commitment to keep a faithful few. • Appeal to God’s character: His question implies trust in God’s mercy even amid wrath. Key Principles for Our Own Intercession 1. See as God sees – Let Scripture expose sin and impending judgment (compare Romans 3:23; Revelation 20:11-15). 2. Feel what God feels – Grief over sin and compassion for people combine in the intercessor’s heart (Jeremiah 9:1). 3. Stand in the gap even if alone – God looks for “a man… to stand in the gap” (Ezekiel 22:30). One praying believer can make the difference. 4. Pray humbly and boldly – Face-down humility with bold appeals to God’s mercy (Hebrews 4:16). 5. Anchor requests in covenant promises – Ezekiel pleads for the “remnant.” Today we rest on the new-covenant promise that God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). 6. Persist even when judgment seems unstoppable – Judgment was falling, yet he still asked. Until final judgment arrives, our window for prayer remains open (2 Peter 3:9). Echoes of Ezekiel Elsewhere in Scripture • Abraham intercedes for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-32) — negotiating, pleading for mercy. • Moses intercedes after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14) — God relents. • Daniel confesses national sin and prays for restoration (Daniel 9:3-19). • Paul grieves for lost Israel (Romans 9:1-3) — willing to be “accursed” for their sake. • Jesus on the cross: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34) — the ultimate intercessor. • Jesus now “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25) — our model and assurance. Taking it to Heart Today • Cultivate a burden: ask God to let His grief over sin break our hearts. • Create space: fall on our faces—literally or figuratively—to intercede for family, church, nation. • Pray Scripture: remind God of His promises regarding a remnant, revival, and salvation. • Expect God to act: intercession is never wasted; He “hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29). |
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