The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

SOMEONE TO STAND IN THE GAP

God always follows through with both his warnings and his promises to his people. For generations, God had warned his people that he would destroy the nation of Judah because of their sin. They had had plenty of warnings and plenty of opportunities to turn to God before he acted in judgment. Before his judgment came, however, God gave Judah one final opportunity: If he could find one prophet to intercede to him on behalf of the nation, God would relent. Not a single person could be found in all the nation to fulfill this role, and consequently God’s judgment fell upon the people.

Ezekiel 22:30 teaches that God desires to make things right with the world through a mediator, and thankfully, Jesus is that mediator (Ro 8:34; 1Ti 2:5 – 6). In his death he stood before the Father on behalf of his people and received punishment for their sins so that they could receive his righteousness (Heb 9:15; 1Jn 2:1). Because Jesus was and still is the means of grace for his church, his church is able to intercede on behalf of the nations for God to exercise mercy. Beyond this, his church is able to go to the nations to share the news of God’s unrelenting love for them through Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for interceding with the Father on my behalf. Please enable and encourage your church to intercede with God on behalf of the nations of this world. May every ear hear of your grace. Amen.