TOPIC: STANDING IN THE GAP ON BEHALF OF OTHERS
Bible Reading: Numbers 15&16; Mark 6:1-28
“And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living: and the plague was stayed” – Numbers 16:47-48 (KJV).
To stay the wrath of God for all humanity, Jesus had to stand in the gap. He became a mediator between God and man. Jesus became a ransom for man’s sin which demand that he atone with his life. Jesus stood in the gap for man on the cross to bring redemption for humanity. He became the propitiation for man’s sin. Death penalty was hanging on all humanity but to avert eternal death, Jesus had to take man’s place by standing in the gap between God and man. By this act, Jesus has shown example to us the need to bear one another’s burden.
As the children of Israel journey from Egypt to the land of Canaan, Korah, Dothan, Abiram and On stirred up men to murmur and revolt against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of taking too much upon themselves and of lifting up themselves above the congregation. This act attracted the wrath of God. The ground opened and swallowed them up. As a result of this judgment on these rebels and their family members, the children of Israel staged a protest. The lord plagued them but as the plague was spreading among the people, Moses in his meekness and leadership commitment demanded that Aaron take censer with fire and quickly step in their midst to make atonement for the people. Aaron stood between the dead and the living to avert more death. This act is the intercessory ministry.
Burning of incense represents prayer of the saints. God seeks for committed and passionate Christians to stand between him and sinners to avert his wrath. Every Christian has a responsibility to stand in the gap for others through prayers, intercession and preaching of the gospel. We can stand in the gap on behalf of our friends, relations, parents, siblings and our families. We can also stand in the gap on behalf of our communities, cities, nations and sinners all over the world; this is part of our kingdom responsibilities. As we stand in the gap for others, dangers, judgment and death could be averted and mercy can be released to the people. Standing in the gap demands commitment and sacrifice. Jesus did.
PRAYER: Thank you Jesus for standing in the gap for me.
Rev. Vincent Diolu