"standing in the gap"
"Then He spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, His chosen one, withstood Him in the breach to turn back His destructive wrath." —Psalm 106:23
The Lord surrounds His people with an encircling wall of fire (Zec 2:9). This protects us from the destructive attacks of the evil one. However, when we sin and refuse to repent, we make a hole in this wall of protection (see Ez 22:30). This hole is sometimes translated "gap" or "breach." We then need someone like Moses to "stand in the gap" and prevent God's wrath, that is, the effects of our sins, from consuming us (Ex 32:10). Intercessors "stand in the gap" through prayer. They give us more time to repent so we may avoid suffering the devastating effects of our sins.
All of us by all rights should be suffering severe punishments due to our sins. Our murderous country, covered with the blood of aborted babies, should by all rights be destroyed. Abortionists, unprincipled politicians, worldly religious leaders, unscrupulous businessmen, lukewarm Christians, and others should all be paid the wages of sin, that is, death (Rm 6:23). Moreover, in justice they should be punished now. However, intercessors are prayerfully protecting people who have "left themselves wide open." Intercessors are temporarily keeping this country from falling apart. They are extending God's season of mercy and delaying His season of justice (see Gn 18:23-32). Therefore, we should repent now and take advantage of the opportunity which the world's intercessors have provided for us. Then we should become intercessors ourselves.
Prayer: Father, first of all may I offer intercessions for those in authority (1 Tm 2:1-2).
Promise: "If you believed Moses you would then believe Me, for it was about Me that he wrote." —Jn 5:46
Praise: St. Cyril as bishop experienced exiles and banishments but always persevered and remained faithful to God.
Reference: (Is the Lord calling you to help PM stand in the gap while He builds up His army? Call 937-587-5464 to find out how you can help.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
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