NO MAN TO STOP EVIL

“So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one” (Ezek. 22:30 NKJV).

The sad lament of this verse is that God could find no man to stand in the gap to stop evil and prevent Divine judgment. A further lament is that it is not limited to Ezekiel’s time, but to our day as well. Thus we want to note three reasons this problem exists.

It requires conviction – Strong and healthy convictions are an absolute necessity in order to stand against evil. However, having convictions may lead to mockery and ridicule. The emphasis today is on being open minded which means being tolerant of evil, not oppose to it. However, those with this sort of attitude will never stand in any gap to stop evil and prevent judgment.

It requires courage - It is not easy opposing evil because evil doers are not very charitable. Those bent on evil have no respect for that which is sacred or anything that stands in their way. Therefore, to take a stand against such folks takes great courage. No one will stand in the gap who lacks courage.

It requires compassion - Real compassion for people is also necessary in order to stop their bent to evil. Of course, those who want to do evil will think that folks who want to help them are against them. But if we really want to help people, we will do our best to stand in the gap to stop their evil and prevent Divine judgment from coming upon them. No one is your friend who does not oppose your evil.

(Adapted from Butler's Daily Bible Reading 3)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“Your hatred of sin depends upon your degree of love toward God!”

Anonymous

Word Study

Eagerly wait

In Phil. 3:20 we read, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (NKJV).

Eagerly is the Greek Greek word apekdechomai (ἀπεκδέχομαι = ap-ek-dekh'-om-ahee). It is made up of three words: “apo” which speaks of the withdrawal of one’s attention from other objects, “ek” which means out, and “dechomai” which means to take or receive. Thus the word means to wait in great anticipation but with patience; it is to expect fully. In classical Greek apekdechomai means to expect, to wait for expectantly, intensely, anxiously. Apekdechomai is not found in the Septuagint. In the New Testament apekdechomai pictures waiting in great anticipation but with patience. It is awaiting eagerly and expectantly for some future event and so to look forward eagerly.

Further, apekdechomai is in the present tense indicating a continual mindset. The word is also in the middle voice which indicates that we are the beneficiary of the waiting. Here we have a beautiful picture of the Church “eagerly” waiting to welcome the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to receive Him to ourselves. A waiting, welcoming mindset will motivate the bride to keep herself pure and holy.

Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Old Testament Prophecy – Messiah would be the Messenger of the new covenant (Mal. 3:1).

New Testament Fulfillment – Luke 4:43

Did You Know…

The Bible states that the Lord Jesus felt human emotions (Matt. 9:36).

Bible Quiz

According to the Book of Proverbs, what does a fool make of sin?

**Answer to last week’s Bible Quiz: Why was king Nebuchadnezzar angry with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Because they would not bow and worship his statue (Dan. 3:12-13).

Names For God Found in the Bible

“Buckler”

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2 KJV).

1. Meaning – Buckler speaks of God as protector and defender of His people.

2. Insights – A “buckler” is a small round shield. In context, the Psalmist David is speaking about the Lord as his shield, and defender, who covers and protects him. After reviewing all that the Lord was to him David then recorded his deliverance by the Lord and rejoiced in the mercies shown him. This psalm is a song of gratitude for victory by the warrior-king who at last was at peace

Did You Know...Christian History

William Walford was born in 1772 in Coleshill, England. He was a simple wood carver with no education, yet he had a very sharp memory and held a strong reputation of “knowing the Bible from heart.”

An elderly man, and blind, Mr. Walford owned a small novelty shop in Coleshire, England. Day by day, he would sit in the chimney corner, carving and polishing pieces of bone to make shoe horns and other useful items for sale. As he worked, he would commune with the Lord in prayer, sometimes putting together thoughts to be shared in church the following Sunday.

Although Walford had no formal education, the Lord had given him an amazing memory. This humble Englishman was able to quote the Scriptures accurately, including the precise chapter and verse, in spite of being absolutely blind! Walford relied on others to read the Scriptures to him which he then rehearsed and committed to memory. Walford’s mind so dwelt upon Scripture, and his communion with the Lord was so sweet, that he was often asked to share a sermon at the Congregational services he attended. When he stepped into the pulpit, the blind preacher was able to quote Scripture passages word for word, giving chapter and verse, with hardly a slip. This overflow of the Word of God within him also came forth in the form of poetry.

One day in 1842, an American clergyman named Tom Salmon visited Mr. Walford’s little shop. Apparently, the old man talked with him about the theme of prayer, and the delight he took in fellowship with the Lord. He then asked Pastor Salmon to write down some lines of verse he had composed.

“How will this do?” he asked as he began, seemingly uncertain as to the worth of his creation. But he need not have worried. His poem became the beloved hymn “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” The tune was written by William Bradbury.

A Little Humor

A criminal with a long record was on trial for his latest crime. The jury found him guilty and the judge sentenced him to 189 years. Realizing that even with time off for good behavior he would be over 100 when he was released, the prisoner burst into tears. Noting this display of remorse, the judge reconsidered. He said, “I didn’t mean to be so severe. Thinking it over, I can see that I’ve imposed an extremely harsh sentence. So you don’t have to serve the whole time.” The prisoner beamed with new found hope until the judge leaned toward him and said, “Just do as much as you can.”

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“If we be ruled by sin, we shall inevitably be ruined by it!”