Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on this day in 1824.

Next to Robert E. Lee, Thomas J. Jackson was probably one of the most respected generals in the Confederate Army. A graduate of West Point, Jackson first earned recognition as a war hero in the Mexican War. His experience as a military instructor at the Virginia Military Institute, coupled with his war experience, earned him the rank of brigadier general at the first major battle of the Civil War near Manassas, Virginia. But it was Jackson’s conduct during that battle for which he earned his nickname “Stonewall.” During the battle, when lines were beginning to break, General Bernard E. Bee proclaimed, “There is Jackson standing like a stone wall.” In that moment a legend was born, as Jackson became known for his fierce tenacity and steadfastness in the heat of the battle.

Through the prophet Ezekiel, God spoke about this same type of faithfulness. Despairing of Israel’s lack of faith, God was searching for men and women who could be “stone walls” against evil. “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall,” the Lord said.

What does it mean to stand in the gap? For us, it means a willingness to stand up for what we know is right, even when we may be the only ones. It means befriending the kid at school who has no friends. It means sticking up for the one who is being bullied and mocked. It means making a difference for God by living according to his truth and Word.

How about you? Are you willing to stand in the gap?

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).

To do

How can you make a difference for God today? Write down three ways you can “stand in the gap” at school, at home, and in your neighborhood.

Also on this day . . .

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day.

1799—Edward Jenner introduced the smallpox vaccine.

1846—The first issue of the Daily News, edited by Charles Dickens, was published.

1976—The French Concorde SST aircraft began regular commercial service for Air France and British Airways.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.