Leonard Ravenhill said:
“To stand before men on behalf of God is one thing”
“To stand before God on behalf of men is something entirely different.”
These statements by Ravenhill shook me to my foundation as a pastor and leader. I fear that after many years behind the pulpit that I have forgotten the holy calling to stand before men on behalf of the Lord, but my greater fear is that I have underestimated the vital importance of standing in the gap for those I love and serve.
One cannot take lightly the critical importance of intercession on behalf of the people. The words of Ezekiel haunt me. He wrote:
“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30 NIV
I pray the Lord will find us faithful on our knees in the gap for our land.
