READ: Genesis 18:17-33
…stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it…:- Ezekiel 22:30
Abraham and Moses are two examples of people who stood in the way of God’s judgement. Abraham’s intercessory prayer is the greatest example of how God listens to a man. God wants to have a reason to choose mercy and to avoid
judgement. Any good leader with a heart for God is always looking for an opportunity to avoid judgement and to show mercy.
Unfortunately, Abraham was not able to secure the release of Sodom and Gomorrah from God’s judgement. God could not find even five righteous people in the city. The Lord tried to avoid judgement but it did not work! Moses, however, was able to secure deliverance for Israel (Psalm 106:23).
In any given situation, Almighty God has two options judgement or mercy. However, the Bible makes it clear that
God prefers the mercy option. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity…he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH [PREFERS] IN MERCY” (Micah 7:18). The Word teaches that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. “…As I live, saith the Lord God, I have NO PLEASURE in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11).
Being a God of justice, He has to pass out judgements when they are due. They are often very severe and irreversible. As you stand in the breach between God’s judgement and the people, you will save many lives. Become an intercessor! You will save nations!