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Who will stand in the gap?

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Ezekiel 22:30 “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not destroy it, but I found none.”

There has always been the need for good men and women to stand in the gap for others. I was reminded of the sacrifices that many have made for our country the other day. I was running some errands in Xenia and decided to stop by and visit a special person who was turning 90 years old.

Following the sound of radio music, I found Mr. Bob O’Bryant working in his garage. Hearing my voice he turned around and greeted me with a big smile. After I wished him a “Happy Birthday,” we sat down and I enjoyed listening to some of his interesting life story. When you live to be 90 there are many experiences to look back on and Mr O’Bryant has surely had his share.

I was intrigued as he revealed how he had answered the call of Uncle Sam during WW2 and joined the US Navy to defend our country. I could hardly imagine the grief he and his fellow sailors cruising the China Sea experienced as they listened to the explosions from atomic bombs set off in Japan near the end of the war. This could only be rivaled by the devastation of D-Day where he spent much time retrieving the bodies of slain soldiers and transporting the injured to England.

Yet despite the horror of this terrible war, Mr. O’Bryant, along with many other brave men and women, were willing to stand in the gap for others who needed protection and help. Their sacrifice of service has made a huge difference to our country as well as to many fortunate individuals. For that I am very grateful.

Most of us will not have this particular kind of opportunity to serve our fellow man, but there is another call waiting to be answered.

In a world full of sin and sorrow, God is looking for those who will stand in the gap. Throughout the Bible God’s children are asked to pray for those around them, to carry other’s burdens, and to share the plan of salvation to a lost and dying world. Unfortunately, we are often so busy that our schedules do not permit this type of commitment to those around us.

In the book of Ezekiel God expressed His displeasure in His wayward children. The whole nation of Israel displayed great impurity within their culture, and even the leaders and kings had departed from God’s laws. These ungodly men and women deviated from God’s ways even to the point of human sacrifice and other wicked practices. As the Lord looked down from heaven He searched for a man who would build up a wall of protection around the city and stand in the gap on behalf of the land so that He would not destroy it. Sadly He could find no one. There was not one who could answer the call.

Our world today is not far from this same condition. Dishonest gain, misused power, sexual sin, and premeditated murders are rampant everywhere you go. Many have forgotten the true God of heaven and have left His ways to follow after other gods. When this happens then any sort of evil is possible.

As God looks down today He is still searching for someone to stand in the gap. Will He find someone who is willing to intercede in prayer on behalf of those around them? Is there someone brave enough to take strong spiritual leadership by speaking the truth boldly in a place that does not want to hear it?

The call has gone out. Now, who will stand in the gap? Love, Mama

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By Sandra Sheridan

Sandra Sheridan is a Greene County resident and guest columnist.