Filling Your Spot in God's Kingdom -- Posted 04/25/2007


Are you doing everything you should for the sake of Christ?

Have you examined your efforts in God's kingdom?

Ezekiel made a bold and extremely sad statement in chapter 22, verse 30.

"And I(God) sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land,
that I should not destroy it: but I found none."  (explanation and emphasis mine)

Ezekiel, as the prophet of God made this profound announcement to the nation of Israel, who had strayed away from the
ways of their God, Jehovah.

Even the priests and prophets had left the ways of God for a sinful and lustful lifestyle.

Many preachers of today are in this same rut. They no longer carry the true burden for the lost sinner as they once did.
They do not desire to teach truth and rather, tend to teach untruths and false doctrine that is "easy" and does not bring
rebuke or correction to the hearer.  

Look at Ezekiel's description of the ministers of that day.

"Her(Israel's) priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the
holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from
my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them." - verse 26 (explanation mine)

The priests' occupation was largely to intercede to the Lord for the people of the land. If the priest did not live according to
God's laws, how could he be the intercessor for anyone else?

This same pattern is seen in the world today. Many so-called preachers and ministers say one thing, and then live another.
The last time I checked, this was called "hypocritical".  And GOD HATES IT!!

So what does this have to do with me, you ask?

All Christians are called to "minister" to those around them. You must live a life that is a perfect example of godliness and
holiness if you are to be effective as a "soul-winner". A sinner will only trust the word of someone who portrays Christ in
every area of their life.

Trust me when I say this, a lot of sinners know more about serving the Lord than many "Christians". Many have a
grandmother or mom who is or was a "real Christian", so they recall that person's life and compare it to what they see in
you.  

The sad thing about this is many souls that might have been reached have been lost, mainly because of disobedience on
the part of the "child of God".

Think of this analogy.

When a fisherman sets out to catch a trout, he does not bait the hook with a small trout. Rather, he puts something on the
hook that will feed the fish, and fill the need in it's life,... food. You cannot catch a trout with, well,... a trout.

So, why then do many set out to lead others to Christ looking and acting and sounding exactly like the one who is lost.

This is why God impressed Ezekiel to make the previously quoted statement concerning the need for "a man, to make up
the hedge, and stand in the gap..."

No one was able to fulfill that role. NO ONE. Not even the "spiritual leaders".

How sad. How depressing. How discouraging. How disheartening. How much like now!

God help us!!!

The church needs a revival of the lukewarm and indifferent. Those who are only halfheartedly serving God. Those who feel
that a holy, separated lifestyle is not necessary. Those who have not totally surrendered to the will of God Almighty.

America is in a downward spiral to sure destruction.

Corruption is infiltrating our government, our schools, our homes. Evil is lurking behind even the doors of our churches.
The entertainment industry is full of filth and perversion. Sexual immorality is at an all time high. Homosexuality and
lesbianism is taught to be appropriate and those who stand against it are labeled as "hate-mongers and bigots". Dishonesty
is exalted and cheating and lying is encouraged even in the public arena. America's heroes are no longer strong, God-
fearing men; but lying, cheating, spineless deserters of the faith, who only seek to please the majority.

If God were to make this same statement today, I fear that the latter part would read the same,

"...but I found none."  

God needs men and women, boys and girls. God needs someone, anyone to stand up and be counted as faithful.

Regardless of what takes place around you, God needs you to fight for what is right. He is asking,

"Who is on the Lord's side?"

Are you doing exactly as God desires? Are you filling your spot in God's kingdom? Have you stepped into your role?

Or, are you lying back, taking it easy, hoping someone else will step forward and do your job?

Must Ezekiel cry out again..."but I found none."

Why wait any longer? Why delay your decision to obey God?

Maybe you don't even know God...maybe you have strayed away from a once felt relationship. Maybe you are rejecting a
spiritual calling in your life. God cares about you...deeply.

God cares so much, that He made sure you read this, to open your eyes to His desire for you.

Make the best decision of your life now. Choose Christ.

II Corinthians 6:2 says,"...behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.)”  (emphasis mine)