The Man That God Seeks (Ezekiel 22:30-31)

A guest post by Bill Irby.

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

Ezekiel was a man in a tough spot with a challenging job. The context of Ezekiel was the Babylonian captivity of Judah. The prophet was part of what is known as the "second carrying away" orchestrated by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. There were three assaults against Judah and Jerusalem. The initial assault resulted in Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael being taken captive, handpicked as talented for government service. We read their story in the Book of Daniel.

This second carrying away resulted in Judean captives being held in a ghetto by the River Chebar in Babylon. Ezekiel was tasked with convincing the people that they deserved their predicament and that indeed they needed to repent. Included in his preaching was a message of God's grace and forgiveness. The problem was that the people did not embrace penitence. They thought they were going home any minute (not in the 70 years Jeremiah prophesied). They refused to believe God. They rejected His prophets. They were stubborn. This is seen throughout the book, on nearly every page. The final assault resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem, an event many captives did not think possible.

In this dire situation God seeks a man to make a wall and stand in the gap (22:30-31). Sadly, Ezekiel utters these words for God: "but I found no one."

We are in a different set of circumstances. Our covenant is superior and we have Jesus Christ as our Savior. But we also live in tough times and have a challenging job to do. The lesson for us is to be men worthy of being sought by God.

Note the instructions God gave Ezekiel from 2:1-8:

• Stand on your feet (2:1)

• Do not be afraid of them (2:6)

• Rely on God's Word (2:7)

• Do not give in (2:8)

• Do not be dismayed when they do not listen (3:7)

Now, what kind of man is God seeking to stand in the gap today? For an answer we will turn to Paul's letters to Timothy. Paul told Timothy to be a this kind of man:

• A confident man (2 Timothy 1:6-7, 13)

• A strong man (2 Timothy 2:1ff: a soldier, an athlete, a hard working farmer)

• A man of careful speech (2 Timothy 2:14-15)

• A man ready for 2 trouble when it comes (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

• A Bible man (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 4:2-4)

Our walls and gaps are spiritual. We must protect our families, our friends and our congregations. Our strength has been and will continue to be tested. Remember that Ezekiel was shown to be right. God is always right. All of God's faithful men are shown to be right. So also shall we (Revelation 2:10, 2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Find your gap and stand in it.

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I appreciate Bill sharing his thoughts from Scripture with us!

Bill Irby was the full-time preacher for the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ, where I am now blessed to preach. He’s also a great friend, mentor, and neighbor. I’m thankful for his godly influence in the lives of so many people in this world!