17/01/2024
Stand in the Gap
2 Chronicles 28-31
Today we’re going to see someone in a different period of Israel’s history who actually did stand in the gap, and because of his faith and radical ”all-in” obedience, his people, the southern kingdom of Israel, was preserved from destruction and experienced a great revival in his generation.
The man’s name is Hezekiah; he lived 123 years before Ezekiel wrote these words (Ez. 22:30-31)-he held off Ezekiel’s judgment for 123 years(!), and his story is found in 2 Chronicles destinies of societies are shaped by great men and women who act boldly at key times. (Many historians criticize his theory, because multiple factors usually contribute to societal movements, but you can’t overlook that there are ways that the courage and boldness of one person can change the course of an entire society.)
I want you, today, to see yourself as that one man, or one woman, standing in the gap for…your family; your group of friends; a college campus; us, as a church, standing in the gap for our city.
Being the faith instrument that connects his healing with their need.
Picture this.
– You are going to be that human bridge that connects the lightning of God’s power and someone’s flux capacitor…and the analogy starts to break down pretty dramatically at that point, but you get it.
Hezekiah was that man in the gap. We should be the people in the gap.
Let’s start in 2 Chronicles 28…Hezekiah was born into the Southern kingdom of Israel at a time of great moral degradation. Ahaz, his father, had been one of the worst, most ungodly kings ever. Here is how the author of Chronicles summarized Ahaz’ reign: 22In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. (God had sent some mild trouble to him to bring him back, but instead…) 23He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him; for he thought, ”Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.” (If you can’t beat them, join them.) But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel.
But then…26Hezekiah his son succeeded him as king.
– 29:1 Hezekiah was (only) twenty-five years old when he became king…3and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 28:22-29:3).
Chapter 29 goes on to describe how Hezekiah not only got himself right with God, but also led Israel in a national awakening back to God.
Be blessed in Jesus name as we continue tomorrow.
