I Will Be the One

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 22

And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. (Ezekiel 22.30)

Devotional Thought: Things were bad.  The walls of Jerusalem were in shambles.  The powerful exploited the helpless.  The rich increased their wealth by defrauding the poor.  Innocent blood was shed without concern.  Sexual immorality infected the culture.  Civic and religious leaders conspired to suppress God's truth.  Judgment was upon them: "You have brought your days near; the appointed time of your years has come" (Ezekiel 22.4).

And what was the cause?  "Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord" (v. 12).

In this desperate situation, God sought someone who would...

·       Build up the wall.  This was about more than a physical wall.  God had Nehemiah picked out for that.  This was about spiritual protection.  God was looking for someone who would restore spiritual walls.  The political and spiritual leaders were a part of the problem.  No one was speaking the truth against the onslaught of lies.

·       Stand in the breach.  This was about more than a military hero.  It was about an intercessor who would stand between the people and death.  It suggests the picture of Aaron stopping the plague that swept through the camp of the rebellious Israelites: "He stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped" (Numbers 16.48).

Like Ezekiel, we live in desperate times.  The sins that described Jerusalem then, describe America today.  We have forgotten God, and he is looking for someone who will rebuild the wall of truth and stand in the gap of prayer.  I am reminded of the song by Al Denson:  "Will you be the one to answer to His call?  And will you stand when those around you fall?  Will you be the one to take His light into a darkened world?  Tell me, will you be the one?"

Prayer: Lord, all around me are hurting people, promised great happiness, but disappointed and empty.  The truth is in low regard and people remain in darkness.  I will be the one to stand on your truth and to pray for a great revival in our land.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 33.16-22

16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,

19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.

22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.