28 ‘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 22:28-30
Q & A：
- Knowing that a man’s act of sin or rebelliousness will cause a gap in the hedge or wall of protection from God, explain what “stand in the gap” means to you? Discuss why God looks for people to stand in the gap before Him on behalf of the land, people or situation, by referencing to God’s attributes of being gracious and merciful while acting justly and righteously. (Eze 22:28-30; Job 1:10; Isa 5:5; Gen 18:27-28)
- What are some of the ways that one may voluntarily or unknowingly open a door or a gap in God’s hedge to the enemy (the devil) to slip in. As a New Testament believer, discuss how God has us covered when we are weak and helpless as God intercedes for us through Jesus, who has justified us by His blood, through the Holy Spirit with groanings and praying in tongue, and through the people around us. (Rom 8:26-27, 34; Rom 5:9)
- Discuss what the keys to intercessory prayer for us to be used by God are, with reference to humility, love, compassion, faith, resting in God and partnering with God. Discuss how we are to do intercessory prayer or stand in the gap between the person and God with intentional sessions and when God impresses upon our heart to stand in the gap for some unknown cases by engaging in praying in understanding and in Spirit. (Acts 12:5; Jam 1:5; Isa 54:17; Rom 1:16)