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Post by John on Jul 12, 2023 15:54:41 GMT -5
And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. Ezekiel 9:4
In this verse, we witness a powerful example of God's mercy and judgment intertwined. The Lord commissions a man to go through the city and set a mark upon the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over the sinful abominations committed within its walls.
In today's world, we find ourselves surrounded by a culture that increasingly embraces immorality, godlessness, and the rejection of Biblical values. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith and uphold the truth of God's Word. Let us reflect on three essential lessons we can draw from this passaged.
1. A Heart of Sorrows: The marked ones were those who sighed and cried over the abominations in their midst. As followers of Christ, we are called to be sensitive and discerning, recognizing the brokenness and sinfulness of the world around us. We should not only be concerned about our personal salvation but also grieve over the moral decay and spiritual blindness that separates people from God's love and truth.
2. A Mark of Distinction: The marking of the faithful sets them apart from the rest of the city. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to be distinct from the world. Our lives should reflect the light of Jesus Christ, shining brightly amidst the darkness. The mark upon our lives should be one of love, holiness, and unwavering devotion to God, attracting others to the hope and transformation that can be found in Him alone.
3. Trusting in God's Protection: God's mark served as a sign of protection for those who possessed it. In the midst of judgment, the Lord promised to spare those marked with His seal. Likewise, as we navigate the challenges and trials of this world, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is our refuge and strength. He will guard and guide us, even in the face of adversity, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to Him.
Let us, therefore, take this passage to heart and apply its timeless truths to our lives. May we be a people who sorrow over the sinfulness of our world, marked by a distinct and unwavering faith, and find solace in the protective arms of our Heavenly Father.
Takeaway: Reflect on the seriousness of sin and its impact on our world. Consider how you can be a light in the midst of darkness and bring hope and transformation to those around you. Seek opportunities to share the love and truth of Christ with others, demonstrating the distinct mark of a faithful follower. Remember that God's protection is with you, and as you trust in Him, He will guide you through every challenge and trial.
As you go about your day, meditate on Psalm 119:11, which says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Commit to studying and internalizing God's Word, allowing it to shape your thoughts, actions, and decisions. Let the truth of Scripture be the guiding light in a world filled with confusion and moral relativism.
In a moment of temptation or when confronted with the prevailing culture's values, rely on the strength of the Lord dwelling within you. Seek His guidance, wisdom, and discernment, so that you may stand firm and unyielding in your commitment to God's truth.
The mark of the faithful is not merely an external symbol but a reflection of a transformed heart. Surrender yourselves to the Lord daily, submitting your desires, ambitions, and plans to His will. Allow Him to shape you into His likeness, so that others may see the mark of Christ upon your life.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and may His grace and peace abound in your life as you walk faithfully in His ways.
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Post by frienduff on Jul 13, 2023 5:59:54 GMT -5
March ever onwards in the Lord my friend .
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Post by John on Jul 26, 2023 14:34:34 GMT -5
When I think of the great sins in the land, the ones that come to mind most often are the murder of unborn babies and the promotion and celebration of sodomy. While these are terrible sins and abominations in the sight of God, there is probably no sin that angers the Lord more than idolatry, and that is what the children of Israel were guilty of when God pronounced judgment upon them. If we turn back to chapter 8, we see them worshipping an idol god called Jealousy. Here is what we know about these idols.
Jealousy- This is believed to represent a pagan deity associated with envy or jealousy. While it is unknown exactly what this idol was, it symbolized a false god or a personification of an evil inclination.
Tammuz- This was a Mesopotamian deity, originally worshipped by the Sumerians and later adopted by other ancient civilizations in the region, including the Babylonians and Assyrians. Tammuz was associated with fertility, agriculture, and the cycle of life and death. Worship of this idol is often involved rituals and lamentations mourning his death and celebrating his return to life.
In addition to worshipping these idols, others were worshipping the actual sun. The worship of false deities contributed to the moral and spiritual degradation of the people, leading to God's judgment. Only those who had the mark on their foreheads were to be spared.
I want us to consider this today. We know what kind of sins are taking place around us. How do we view these things? Do we accept them? Do we defend them? Do we mourn over them, and do they grieve us? Do we cry out to God for his mercy? What was about to happen is not pretty. Ezekiel was about to witness a great slaughter of the wicked, and only those who continued to worship the true God would be spared. Could such a thing happen in America? If it did, would you be among those who were spared?
There were six men appointed to the task of slaying the idolaters. After the righteous were marked, we see the order being given by God to his ministers of justice. "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity. Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary." Ezekiel 9:5-6 After the order was given, it says, "Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth and slew in the city." It is hard to picture what an awful sight this must have been for Ezekiel to see. It was his own kinsmen being killed because of their idolatries.
"And it came to pass, while they were left slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord God! Wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?"
Ezekiel tried to make intercession for the people, but they had gone too far. Only those with the mark would be spared, and it appears that the people never saw this coming. I feel confident God sent warnings through his prophets, but I imagine they mocked them and laughed at them and continued in their sins. Here is the response to Ezekiel's pleas.
"The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city is full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not. And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. And behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me." Ezekiel 9:9-11.
Is America today any less sinful? What about most other nations in the world? We know that the Bible warns of judgment to come upon the entire world, but that judgment is not against those who have God's mark. We may suffer persecutions of men, but the judgements of God are reserved for the wicked. Do you have God's mark? How does God see you when he observes you today? Will he find you righteous or are you facing God's wrath?
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