Gap: (noun) a break or opening, as in a fence, wall, or military line; breach; an empty space or interval; interruption in continuity; a difference or disparity in attitudes, perceptions, character, or development, or lack of confidence or understanding, perceived as creating a problem.
Huge gaps exist in our families.
Families have gaps such as a prodigal child, an unfaithful spouse, or an abusive family member. Some parents have lost all hope for their children and some children have lost all hope for their parents. Children and youth have limited resources and have no mentors. Addictions attempt to fill gaps unsuccessfully. Neighbors can be difficult. Elderly are forgotten.
There are gaps in the greater society of the world.
Racism and class warfare infest global communities. Business and professional organizations are bogged down with lawsuits because of lying, stealing and cheating. Poverty is everywhere. Society is on the edge of a breakdown. Slavery is at the highest rate in history while powerful human trafficking networks abduct children, youth and adults. There are world-wide attacks on Christianity, immigration issues and prostitution.
Violence seems to be the only antidote.
But, God calls his people to stand in these gaps. What kind of person is God looking for? The Hebrew term for someone who stands in the gap is "ish habinayim." "Ish" is a man, "Isha" is a woman. Habinayim is “one who places himself between the two camps and offers single combat.” He or she is a champion for the cause, a person who protects or supports someone in need, a man or woman who finds the courage to sacrifice everything to represent God and block evil from destroying those he loves.
We will explore together what happened when God's people chose to stand in the gap during this message series. We will discover the obstacles and opposition individuals such as Isaiah, Nehemiah, Esther, Noah and a young shepherd named David had to overcome. We may even be inspired to take action steps ourselves. Where might God be calling you to 'stand in the gap?'
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV
-Pastor Jen