What qualities should a "man to stand in the gap" possess? Setting the Scene Jerusalem lay under looming judgment because the leaders, priests, and people had abandoned God’s ways. Into that collapse the Lord declared: “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it, but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30). The phrase “stand in the gap” paints a wartime picture: a breach in the wall needs a brave soul who will step forward, shield the city, and plead for mercy. The Call to Stand in the Gap God still looks for men and women who will intercede, confront evil, and hold fast to His Word. What qualities does such a person need? Essential Qualities of a Gap-Standing Man • A clean walk with God – “The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail” (James 5:16). – Integrity keeps spiritual authority intact (Proverbs 10:9). • An intercessor’s heart – Moses “stood in the breach before Him to turn His wrath away” (Psalm 106:23). – “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions…be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). • Courage rooted in faith – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9). – A gap-stander runs toward danger with the confidence that God fights for him (1 Samuel 17:45-47). • Steadfast faithfulness – “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). – Even when results seem invisible, “let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). • Humility before God – “If My people…humble themselves, and pray…then I will hear” (2 Chronicles 7:14). – God exalts the lowly (1 Peter 5:6). • Sacrificial love for people – “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). – Paul’s willingness to be “cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers” (Romans 9:3) shows the depth of true burden-bearing. • Obedient alignment with Scripture – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21). – Obedience keeps the gap-stander under God’s covering. • Sensitivity to sin and quick repentance – “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4). – Regular confession restores fellowship (1 John 1:9). Practical Steps to Grow These Qualities – Daily, unhurried time in the Word to shape convictions. – Consistent prayer lists that include family, church, city, and leaders. – Accountability partners who can ask the hard questions. – Active service—teach, mentor, volunteer—so theory becomes practice. – Dependence on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and power (Romans 8:26-27). Living It Out Today Family conflicts, cultural confusion, and spiritual apathy create fresh breaches in our generation’s wall. The Lord still asks, “Who will stand before Me in the gap?” May we answer with Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me!” letting these qualities mark our lives for His glory and our neighbor’s good. |
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