Podcast Summary: The Wake-Up Call – "Stand in the Gap for Someone Today"

Host: Andrew Forrest
Date: February 11, 2026

Overview

This episode centers on what it truly means to stand in the gap for someone—a lesson drawn from the story of Moses' leadership and intercession for Israel after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:30–32). Andrew Forrest explores godly leadership, self-sacrifice, and the call for listeners to intercede on behalf of others, drawing compelling parallels between Moses and Jesus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Tone – Personal Reflection and Community Invitation

• Andrew opens by sharing about his mornings as a pastor and author, relating the challenges of leadership to everyday life.
• He references his new book, Love Goes First, emphasizing reaching out to people who are different or even hostile toward us.
  • Quote [00:50]: “Everybody wants to say that they're right all the time… But just telling them they're wrong is not the way to reach people, which is obvious as soon as you think about it.” – Andrew Forrest

2. Scripture Focus – Exodus 32:30–32

• The central scripture recounts Moses offering himself on behalf of the sinful Israelites after they worship the golden calf.
  • Scripture Read [02:42]:
    "The next day Moses said to the people, you have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the Lord. Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin..."
• Andrew poses the reflective question: “Can you stand in the gap for someone today?”
  • Quote [03:40]: “A true leader stands in the gap for his people, which is what Moses does here.”

3. Leadership Contrasts – Moses vs. Aaron

• Andrew contrasts Moses’ self-sacrificing leadership with Aaron’s weakness during the golden calf incident.
  • Moses refuses God’s offer to start anew with just him, instead choosing solidarity and advocacy for his people.
  • Quote [04:43]: “Aaron is a model of weak, cowardly leadership. Whereas Moses shows us what godly leadership is like—a leader sacrifices himself on behalf of his people.”
• Moses’ growth as a leader is highlighted, alongside the lesson that true leadership involves bearing with difficult people and interceding for them.

4. Moses as a Christ-Figure

• Moses’ willingness to be “blotted out” for his people foreshadows Christ’s ultimate act of standing in the gap for humanity.
  • Quote [05:30]: “In this way, he is a forerunner of Christ who dies on behalf of a rebellious and idolatrous people.”

5. Call to Action and Prayer

• Andrew invites listeners to consider who they can intercede for today, drawing from Moses’ example and Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Quote [05:52]: “For whom can you stand in the gap today?”
• Leads a prayer asking for increased devotion so listeners can give of themselves for others.
  • Quote [06:00]: “Increase our love and devotion so that we can give ourselves for others today through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

6. Reflection Questions

• Andrew offers thought-provoking journal prompts to foster deeper contemplation:
  • Why does God accept Moses’ intercession?
  • Is there a connection between Moses/Israel and Abraham/Sodom?
  • What does Moses’ leadership journey teach us about spiritual growth and sacrifice?

7. Leadership Insight

• Notes that leaders, then and now, will always face resistance and difficulty—the role demands sacrifice and steadfastness.
  • Quote [07:05]: “Men and women who are in leadership will constantly find the people to be stiff necked complainers. But that's the job... the most beautiful act of leadership is when a leader sacrifices himself or herself for the people.”

Memorable Moment: The Hymn "And Can It Be"

[07:45–09:28]

• Andrew leads the singing of “And Can It Be” (hymn 569 from the Seedbed Hymnal), highlighting its rich theology and its link to the episode’s theme of divine self-sacrifice.
  • Quote [09:28]: “Now, that is a hymn, everybody. Isn't that a good one?”

Notable Quotes With Timestamps

• “Just telling them they're wrong is not the way to reach people, which is obvious as soon as you think about it.” – Andrew Forrest [00:55]
• “Can you stand in the gap for someone today?” – Andrew Forrest [03:40]
• “A leader sacrifices himself on behalf of his people.” – Andrew Forrest [04:44]
• “In this way, he is a forerunner of Christ who dies on behalf of a rebellious and idolatrous people.” – Andrew Forrest [05:30]
• “Increase our love and devotion so that we can give ourselves for others today through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” – Andrew Forrest [06:06]
• “The most beautiful act of leadership is when a leader sacrifices himself or herself for the people to stand in the gap, so to speak. I kind of love that image.” – Andrew Forrest [07:15]

Episode Flow Highlights

• [00:03] – Personal greetings, setting the Wednesday routine, and book reference.
• [02:42] – Reading of Exodus 32:30–32.
• [03:40] – Reflections on standing in the gap and the nature of godly leadership.
• [07:45–09:28] – Communal singing of “And Can It Be.”
• [09:28] – Final encouragement, theme reiteration, and sign-off.

Final Takeaway

Andrew Forrest calls listeners to consider whose burdens or failings they might stand in the gap for today, reminding us that sacrificial love is at the essence of Christ-like living and leadership. Each breath, he reminds us, is proof that “God is not finished yet”—and every day is an opportunity to intercede for and serve others in love.