WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
The factors that ruined the culture of Ezekiel’s day are similar to those we’re experiencing today. The people were vulnerable to attack because the walls of Jerusalem had been breached, leaving large gaps.
The Lord declared, “I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).
Men needed to repair the wall while others stood in the gaps to prevent the enemy from getting through. Our “walls” represent godly morals and ethics – safeguards for our families and communities. They’ve been breached, leaving huge gaps in the moral fabric of our society. Now, evil is not only tolerated but also promoted and celebrated.
God is looking for men who will stand in the gap for their families, men who exhibit authentic manhood – something society has worked hard to redefine. To some, manhood is measured by physique, athletic, hunting, or fishing abilities, power, fame, or financial status. Some count expensive toys, sexual conquests, or “courageous” escapades. At the same time, our culture strives to sissify, belittle, and silence men.
“Society has torn the soul of the male, and into this tear the demons have fled – the demons of insecurity, selfishness, and despair. Consequently, men do not know who they are as men. Rather, they define themselves by what they do, who they know, or by what they own.” – Alexander Mitscherlich, German psychoanalyst
Authentic manhood comes from who a man is, not what he does. It’s a matter of being, not doing. An authentic man views himself as God does – an earthly expression of Himself (Genesis 1:27). Many men struggle with their roles as leaders, shepherds, protectors, encouragers, and providers for their families because their fathers failed to provide a good example or because they don’t understand their identity in Christ. When we place our trust in Christ, we become children of God. We don’t become children of God by doing good things. We do good things because of who we are in Christ – God’s children, made in His image to follow Jesus. As authentic men in Christ, we listen to Him, obey Him, imitate Him, and seek to please Him in everything we do.
Knowing Jesus introduces us to authentic manhood. Following Him teaches us the actions of an authentic man. Staying near Him transforms us into the men God created us to be – men who stand for truth, lead with strength and humility, stand in the gap, and rebuild the wall. In a country where half of our children live fatherless, this has to start at home.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1
Personal Application: Imitating Jesus requires following Him. This week, commit to reading God’s Word and praying every day and spending time regularly with other men who choose to be imitators of Christ. How do you define manhood? In what ways are you imitating Christ?
- Taken in part from The Watchman: A Clarion Call for Men to Stand in the Gap by Jim Grassi
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5