I’m talking about the distance between sinners and God’s judgment. The phrase “stand in the gap” is taken from one of God’s messages to Ezekiel:

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

It is a use of military imagery. The idea is that the wall of a city is breached at some point providing the enemy the means to come in and wreak havoc. A valiant warrior was needed to stand in that gap and hold back the invaders.

Consider this imagery in our national history. How often have brave men and women arisen, willing and able to “stand in the gap” so to speak?

They stood in the gap in the Revolutionary War and won our independ- ence. They stood in the gap in the War of 1812 against further British oppression. The War Between the States, the Spanish American War, World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam and now the war against terrorism are all examples of times when someone stood in the gap for us.

I thank God for the American soldier, marine, sailor and airman who stand in the gap for our freedom and security. As we honor those who, with courage and sacrifice have protected us, we should also consider that God still calls each of His children to be soldiers for Him and stand in the gap.

Our nation’s greatest enemy is Satan and his arsenal is full of weapons such as temptation, sin, hatred, fear, anxiety, selfishness, lies, jealousy, pettiness, arrogance, lust, rebellion. May we stand in the gap in defense of the gospel and the Lord’s church in spite of these.