“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
God spoke this right before the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of His People to Babylon. What a sad reflection of the heart and soul of a Nation under God’s Judgement. So Sinful and Corrupt, that there was “No One” to plead to God on their behalf! God even told Jeremiah, “don’t pray for this people”.
But also consider God’s Patience! For hundreds of years, God bore patiently with Israel. He sent them Prophets time and time again to plead and admonish them to turn from their Sins. As you read through this Chapter and see a systematic rehearsal of their Sins, you’ll be amazed at how patient He was with them.
In many ways, we are in the same state as Israel today. Our Sins are many and blatant. The church, the institution God has provided to be a Light to the lost, has long since abandoned that mission. They have instead become carnal Social Clubs. May God have mercy on us and send those who will “stand in the gap” on behalf of today’s church!