28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God.
Eze 22:28-31
Q & A：
- Explain what it means to “stand in the gap” and why is God constantly looking for people to intercede for Him? Knowing that the devil could not attack Job when God made a hedge around him, discuss what could potentially cause a hole or a gap to appear in the hedge or wall of protection that God puts around us. (Eze 22:30; Gen 18:27-28; Job 1:10; Isa 5:5)
- How does it make you feel knowing that God is having Jesus to intercede for us at His right hand in comparison to the Old Testament people, especially when we are weak and helpless? Discuss how the Holy Spirit can intercede for us through praying in the spirit or praying in tongues. (Rom 8:26-27; 1 Cor 14:15)
- Why must intercessory prayer be done out of love and compassion for others and with humility? As prayer and intercession can move God to act, discuss how you can partner with God to intercede and to stand in the gap for the unknown cases that God impresses upon our heart or the known cases for individuals, family, church, city or nation. (Rom 8:34)