If you are opportune to stand in the gap for a people or privileged to represent someone before an authority how would you discharge that function? Today many job applications, promotions, projects, business proposals, contracts, peace negotiations, etc, end up on peoples desks with damaging consequences because certain persons sit on it and never let it go through.
Today the 26th day of our Lenten observance the Lord wants us to realise that standing in the gap for others isn’t just a privilege but a God-given opportunity “to be God unto others” and not satan the accuser of the brethren. If this is too hard to understand, continue reading slowly…
Exodus 32:7-14
The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go down now, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have apostatised. They have been quick to leave the way I marked out for them; they have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice. “Here is your God, Israel,” they have cried “who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”’ the Lord said to Moses, ‘I can see how headstrong these people are! Leave me, now, my wrath shall blaze out against them and devour them; of you, however, I will make a great nation.’ But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘why should your wrath blaze out against this people of yours whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with arm outstretched and mighty hand? Why let the Egyptians say, “Ah, it was in treachery that he brought them out, to do them to death in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth”? Leave your burning wrath; relent and do not bring this disaster on your people.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. The ministry and life of a priest avails him the opportunity to hear issues as they are: sometimes our human inclination tries to come in. We may want to take sides in a matter because of affiliation but always the Lord reminds us not to be partial with the words of the letter to the Hebrews 5, 1:
Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2. This duty to stand in the gap for others without sentiments is not the duty of ministers alone but for everyone because of baptismal adoption. Like moses we are called to be breachmenders in daily affairs of life: in schools, offices, marketplace and business arenas, etc, as Jesus is to us- pleading for us before the Father with his blood, and as he tells the Jews who refused to believe in him:
Do not imagine that I am going to accuse you before the Father:you place your hopes on Moses,and Moses will be your accuser. (John 5,45)
TASK: If you are opportune to stand in the gap for others how would you discharge your duties: with love, tenderness and understanding or with pride, hardness, and high-handedness?
You may complain: when you are so nice to people they may take you for granted. Yes, If you’re nice to people, you’re prone to be insulted and disrespected! That’s a cross- one you must bear patiently for your own salvation and glory as well. Just as Jesus took upon himself our shame and carried our crosses, don’t be weary carrying your cross daily to follow Jesus. God bless you. Amen
Thank you specially for the hearty wishes and prayers for my priestly ordination anniversary. God bless you. Amen
