This term has been used so many times over the years that it sometimes dilutes the meaning. The act of intercession is so powerful that it can’t be overlooked, and I want to share some thoughts on it here. The picture above was taken from 'the Google' as I call it. I thought it represented how we pray/war for others.
MIND THE GAP
In this London stock photo above, it shows three simple words. Mind the gap.
People see it daily when stepping onto the rail
(train). This small phrase is to focus
on what is not there, the gap between the platform and the rail. This gap may be small but also can be
precarious if missed. The gap is
important and should not be overlooked.
It is also important when we stand in the gap for others in prayer. We can intercede for those who are unable or sometimes unwilling. Each time we come to the throne of God on behalf of someone else, we are standing in the gap for them.
There may have been
many who stood in the gap for you unbeknownst to you. I have prayed for many that will never know I
did. That’s okay. What is important is that we don’t give
up. Even when we don’t see results. We don’t know what is going on behind the
veil that is covering our eyes. So much
is happening behind the scenes. We need
to just trust and continue to intercede.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we
shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I
am fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12
Judah was the one to stand in the gap for his brother Benjamin
who was taken hostage by their brother Joseph.
Neither Judah nor Benjamin knew Joseph was their brother which makes
this significant. Judah who was self-focused,
personally guaranteed Benjamin’s safe return to their father Jacob. This selfless act showed Judah’s heart for
his father and his brother.
Moses stood in the gap for the wayward people of Israel when
they were sinning in Exodus 32. After all
the grumbling the people of Israel did, Moses still stood in the gap for them.
Abraham stood in the gap for Sodom and asked God to save
Sodom if He could find only ten righteous people. He started with fifty and kept going back to
the Lord until there were only ten. He
probably thought for sure there would be ten righteous people with Lot and his
family.
Ezekiel knew how important it was to have people stand in
the gap. In Ezekiel 22 God states He was
looking for someone to stand in the gap on behalf of the people and build the
wall. He found no one and so the land
was judged.
Stephen stood in the gap for those who stoned him in Acts 7. Imagine interceding for those who are killing
you? That was an incredible testimony
which Saul was a witness to.
And the biggest example is Christ who stood in the gap for
us when He went to the cross. He became
the bridge to God.
We can be a bridge as we intercede for our friends and
family. The importance of this act is
beyond words. Every time you pray for
someone, God hears. Reread that sentence. You have an instant connection with a Holy
God who hears all of your prayers. God
is always live streaming. Your prayers
are not in vain.
He hears you.
Will you stand in the gap with me?
Genesis 18:32
Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me
if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord
replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”
Psalms 106:23
So he declared he would destroy them. But Moses, his chosen
one, stepped between the Lord and the people. He begged him to turn from his
anger and not destroy them.
Acts 7:60
Then he fell on his
knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had
said this, he fell asleep.
Copyright © 2022 Peggy A. Priest. All Rights Reserved.
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