"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one." - Ezekiel 22:30
Have you ever ridden theUnderground in London? There are signs and visual warnings to “Mind the Gap.”This cautions passengers who use the subway to be careful of the space betweenthe platform and the train. In Europe, different nations announce it in morethan one language. In Asia it’s a bit more polite, as in Singapore: “Pleasemind the platform gap.” And in the Americas, it is also common.
Beyond the subway experience, thephrase has become iconic. Book titles, films, board/video games, music albums—allmake use of it. Mind the gap. It must be important. Beyond pop culture, however,it has a much deeper significance to the family of faith.
Consider the verse from Ezekiel.God is searching for someone to intercede for the land. He finds no one. What doesit mean in a Christian context to “mind the gap?” Is anyone capable of doingso? Or is this a job reserved for the holiest of prayer warriors?
Simple answer: anyone. You couldstop here. But read on. No matter what it is or who we are, God listens. Allare equal. Nothing is too big or too small.
At SEAPC, prayer is the foundationof everything. No, really. Everything. From personal needs, to local needs, tocountry needs, to global needs, nothingmoves forward without first seeking God’s guidance. Which means sometimeshaving to take a step back from our plans…and wait for His. This year hascertainly been one where the best-laid SEAPC plans have been changed. God knewit would happen. No surprise to Him.
This is a season where He is askingus to mind the gap. Thanks to travel restrictions, we are unable to visitfriends in far-flung nations; we remain in prayer for them. And there is morethan enough to accomplish in the United States. It is exciting to see wherethis will lead as we continue to get our hopes up. For those with a passion formission travel, it is an interesting time. A time of introspection—looking backand looking ahead. A time of shifting strategies—both at home and abroad. And atime when God is speaking clearly—His purpose and His plan. It is a time of prayer.
The news we get is uniform in itsnegativity. People wonder how a good God can let so much bad happen. Politicalrivals are becoming enemies. There is a disconnect that is perhaps the worstAmerica has ever experienced. How is all of this animosity going to beovercome? What are believers supposed to do?
Ezekiel lived circa 621 B.C. And even so long ago, hechronicles God’s search for someone to stand in the gap on behalf of His land.That encompasses not just the soil, but the entirety of His creation. Over2,640 years ago God found no one to help. We must do better. We can do better. It begins with reframingour vision of prayer.
Intercessory prayer is asking God for something on behalf ofanother. It is not a burden, a chore, or a hardship. It is a blessing. And adirect line of communication with the Almighty. The One who created heaven andearth is waiting for someone to stand in the gap and just talk to Him. Howamazing that it can be you or me having that conversation. We don’t need a holyof holies, a long flowing robe, or a white beard. All we need is thewillingness to step forward. And to pray.
*Prayer draws believers together from all over the globe.Every nation has its problems. Different, yes. Small, no. It’s easier to seethings more clearly when they are not our own. Thus we are in a better positionto invoke God’s help for friends—and enemies—than for ourselves. And so we prayfor one another and are united in peace and unity. Nations and hearts willexperience revival.
*Prayer asks for God’s help when someone is unable to ask forthemselves. The sick, the hurting, the grieving, the lost may have troublereaching out, even if they are Christ-followers. That’s where we move in andmind the gap to bolster faith or to introduce it.
*Prayer can rise to the Lord on behalf of people, countries,environment—anything at all. Nothing to do with His creation is trivial to God.He waited for someone to intervene so that he would not destroy the land. Howsad that according to Ezekiel, no one did.
As SEAPC friends embark on Pray Americas in June and July, itis time for everyone to be mindful of the needs around us. It takes very littleeffort to make a difference, because for the One who is being called upon,nothing is impossible.
When there is a wall that needs rebuilt, step up. As theworld around deteriorates, as illness goes on a rampage, as economies fail,it’s important to remember that there is a perfect plan. Our tiny niche is tointercede fervently. Love abundantly. Seek humbly. And mind the gap.