1. Utter corruption in Jerusalem (1-22)

When men forget the Sovereign God (12b), they become utterly corrupt. The exiles had hope in Jerusalem, but the people there were idolatrous, lewd, and immoral. They totally disregarded God's laws and offended the sovereign God. All the people had become like useless dross. God would make Jerusalem like a furnace and blow on the people until they melted (17-22). When God cleaned up things, both the sinful people and the exiles would know that God is the sovereign Lord (16,22).

2. God looks for a faithful man (23-31)

God looked for one faithful man who could build the wall and stand before God in the gap on behalf of the land, but there was no one. In every age and in every country God looks for faithful men who can stand in the gap. In Jerusalem, at that time, there was no one. Princes were conspirators; priests violated the law and profaned the Sabbath; officials exploited the people; the people oppressed the poor. So God would pour out his wrath.

Application: Lord, grant one man who can stand in the gap as your man. Make me that one faithful person.
One Word: A man to stand in the gap