Who Will Stand in the Gap For People in Peril?

Daily Devotional – Thursday, February 25, 2022

Therefore, I exhort first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.

1 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV)

The Amalekites attack Israel. Moses instructs Joshua to organize an army to fight back. Moses, meanwhile, will stand on a hill and lift the rod of God. From here, He will watch the two armies fighting.

Now, something interesting happens. “And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” (Exodus 17:11). In other words, Israel’s victory or defeat depends on Moses relentlessly lifting God’s rod.

And Aaron and Hur Supported His Hands

Consequently, Moses becomes the focus of the battle for the Israelites.

“But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” (Exodus 17:12).

The improvisation works. The stone helps stabilize Moses’ tiring hands. More importantly, Aaron and Hur support Moses’ hands because that is the only way Israel will prevail in the battle.

That Supplications, Prayers and Intercessions be Made for all Men

The concerted efforts of Joshua’s ground troops, Moses’ raising the rod, and the support from Aaron and Hur bear fruit. “So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” (Exodus 17:13).

Similarly, everyone who professes Godliness must heed Paul’s exhortation, “Therefore, I exhort first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1).

Intercede for Kings and all who are in Authority

You may not be a Joshua or a Moses, but you can be an Aaron or a Hur in the lives of people in crisis. When innocent children, women and men become war victims, it is time to support them though intercessory prayers.

Christians need to go down on their knees and intercede, “for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:2). We must plead with God to restrain the hands of heartless tyrants.

Stand in the Gap Before God for Others

We need to intercede for Christians in nations where possessing the Bible is a crime and church worship is banned. Our prayers must ascend to God on behalf of the sick, the grieving, the widowed, orphans, the homeless and prisoners (including those in Satan’s captivity).

It is time to “stand in the gap before” God on behalf of those in crisis that God may have mercy on them and spare them pain and suffering. (See Ezekiel 22:30). God assures us, “that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14).

Choose a person, family community or nation and intercede for them before God today.

Lord Jesus, teach me how to intercede for others because this is Your will for me.