The Go-Between

PERHAPS as you look at some of the tragedies of the world—the armed conflicts, the political breakdowns, the crimes of injustice or indifference, the ethical compromises—you wonder why some good and strong person cannot be found to lead the way out of the trouble. The Lord wondered the same thing as He surveyed wicked Judah. Having enumerated the sins of the people, He told Ezekiel that He had searched in vain for someone who could “stand in the gap” between their guilt and His righteous wrath (Ezekiel 22:30). No worthy go-between could be found.

Ultimately, only Christ is righteous enough to serve as the go-between to connect a holy God and sinful humanity (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15). Apart from Him, none of us would be free of God’s wrath, for all of us have sinned (Romans 3:21-26). However, because Jesus took on Himself the judgment for our sin, we can have unimpeded access to God.

We can also act as go-betweens in the troubles around us, “standing in the gap” to bridge chasms of indifference and oppression. We can do what we can to stem the tide of evil and tell others of the opportunity to know God through Christ. And we can intercede for others in prayer.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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