What’s in a name? The reason we are “In the Gap Clothing”

Hole in the wall looking at three crosses

Hole in the wall looking at three crosses

In the gap” has become a somewhat popular Christian term, usually connected with prayer and intercession. Someone might say; “I feel like we need to stand in the gap for so-and-so”, meaning that we need to pray for that person.

The Origin

The idea comes from times when a city’s wall was its protection from enemies. Of course if there was a hole or a gap in the wall, the city would be vulnerable. Someone who would be willing to “stand in the gap” of that wall would be willing to take the enemies’ blows to protect those inside. The idea of prayer and intercession fits nicely with this picture, as interceding literally means to “intervene on behalf of another”. When we intercede in prayer for someone, we take their concerns and struggles and sins before God on their behalf and ask for protection against the enemy’s blows.

This thought is expressed when God speaks to the prophet Ezekiel and says:

“I looked for someone 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 no one.” ~ Ezekiel 22:30

While this idea of prayer is beautiful and good, that’s not the reason we are called In the Gap Clothing.

The Real Reason

When I think of “In the Gap“, I remember Someone else who was willing to “intervene on my behalf”. Someone who literally took the Enemy’s blows for me. Someone who is even now interceding before the Father for me. (Rom 8:34)

The Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus, dying on the cross for us, closed the gap that sin brought between us and God. His Blood covered us in protection of the enemy’s schemes and also of the judgement to come.  Jesus, through His love, stood “in the gap” for us, and even now continually represents us before Father God.

That’s what In the gap means to me, a continual reminder of the Love of God, in sending His Son Jesus Christ. May you also be reminded of His special love for you today!

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” ~ 1 Peter 3:18

“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” ~ Hebrews 7:25

 

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