Leviticus 9 - Standing in the Gap

Aaron and his sons consecrated themselves for service and now they are to begin their ministry in service to the people. There is no higher calling in this life than to stand in the gap for sinners making a way for them to be right with God. Aaron serves offering sacrifices for people's sin. He could not be Messiah since he first had to sacrifice for his own sin and then for the sin of the people. He was a sinner just like everyone else. He was a likeness of Christ that pointed to his coming. 

Our spiritual leaders are much like Aaron. They are sinful men and women who have recognized their need of a Savior and are so humbled that they would serve to point others to the hope of a Savior as well. Our pastors, priests, bishops, and elders all are sinners pointing others to the great news that the gap has been bridged; not by an animal, but by Jesus Christ the only perfect representation of man who could perfectly stand in the gap. In Aaron's time sacrifices were made again and again, but Jesus came to be the perfect sacrifice to die once for all. 

The calling to stand in the gap for others is not limited to church staff. As sinners redeemed by a Savior, we have a story to tell and an obligation to share it. First receiving the offer of salvation and then bringing others into the fold is our highest calling. We share the word that we are sinners hopelessly lost, the penalty of sin is death, but God in His great love gave his only Son to pay that penalty for us and offers fellowship with God not just now but for all eternity. God desires that even the hardest of heart, the meanest and cruelest of all would turn from their sin and receive the forgiveness offered through Christ. 

Moreover, God came to make a way for those who act kindly and are full of good works. No one is saved on their kind disposition or their great achievements. These people need a Savior as much as the criminal. It is easy for the criminal to see his sin, but good works can blind a man to his need of a Savior. 

Beyond sharing the good news of hope, we can also stand in the gap in prayer for the souls of those in our life. For the unsaved yes, but also for the saved that they will be bold witnesses of Christ's redemptive power. Each and every day we have opportunities to share life or to encourage someone in their faith. Each and every day we have opportunity to pray first for our own need of forgiveness but then to ask The Lord to minister to their souls that they might walk in the Light. 

Jesus was the perfect one to stand in the gap for us. Because he was the only man born without sin, he could be the all sufficient sacrifice. He bridged the gap between God's holy standard and our sinful nature. Our hope rests in Him alone. There is no other way to be in fellowship with God. 

Don't let the people in your circle live or die without knowing the have a solution fri their sin. Share Jesus with them and pray that The Lord will soften their hearts and heal their souls. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.