Scripture

“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.”

~Ezekiel 22:30, NLT

Quote

“Instead of politicians, let the monkeys govern the country; at least they will steal only the bananas!”

~Krammer

I have used the text above many times when given the opportunity to speak in a prayer breakfast setting or mens groups. “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap.” The NLT reads slightly different but makes the problem crystal clear. As I was reading this passage the other day; I was overwhelmed by the parallels to our present situation. Here is the passage in my own words or the words that came to my mind as I read it. I call it the JEV, Jack’s everyday version. {Ezekiel 22:23-31}.

The LORD spoke to me. He said, “Jack, when my indignation and wrath fall on America, it will be worse than the droughts you despise. Your political leaders plot conspiracies just as animals prowl in the night looking for their prey. They devour innocent people, increasing their wealth by extortion and fraud. They make millions dependent on them. They have created a culture of economic slaves and all for the sake of their own personal gain. The religious leaders in America have done nothing to stop them, matter of fact they encourage them. They make no distinction between what is good and what is evil. They are not teaching God’s word {law} and they have no regard for the day of worship. Your leaders are like wolves who tear apart their victims. Instead of caring for the people they govern, they actually destroy people’s lives for money! And you preachers are not innocent either; you have compromised with sin and your sermons are laced with political correctness. To make bad matters worse, you preachers  say, ‘My message is from the Sovereign Lord,’ when the LORD hasn’t spoken a single word to you. You refuse to live holy lives and your congregations have followed suit. I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall, but out of fear that they would lose their power and wealth, the corrupt Washington establishment  robbed him of his right to rule. Now there is no wall and no righteousness to guard the land. I am searching for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I will not have to destroy the land. Unless you repent, I will pour out my fury on you, consuming you with the fire of my anger. I will heap on your heads the full penalty for all your sins. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken.”

Obviously, my version is slightly different but not that different: you read the passage and you will see what I mean.

Extra

I love my men’s bible study group at the POINT. I love the one at DBC but our group is about to catch them. We may have to get a bigger room. Last weeks lesson was out of 2 Thessalonians and the verse where Paul said, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” That stimulated a lot of discussion. Two very good ideas were shared that I want to share with you. Bob shared that he keeps food goods in his truck so that when he sees a beggar with a sign, “Will work for food,” he gives them food, not money. This way you know you are not enabling a destructive habit. Too Tall shared that he is not only thanking the folks who work at fast food restaurants, he is giving them tips so June and I started doing that this week. The little girl that works at BK in Hartselle has Downs and I gave her a 2 dollar tip Monday and she lit up like a Christmas tree. I loved it! Yesterday we tipped the person at both windows and the second one was so taken back that she could hardly speak. Now for the good stuff: ladies let me tell what your husbands said about you last Sunday….Had you going didn’t I. I am like Barney Fife, a team of wild horses could pull it out of me. Actually, the men we all praising their wives last Sunday. I also have some ocean front property in Limestone County if you are interested.

Thanks for reading the BLOG and have a good day.