Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.” (Ezekiel 9:3b-4)
God’s glory is so great, so wonderful, and so pure that it far surpasses the glory of any other person, being, or thing. It’s because of this that God doesn’t share His glory with anyone else. The Israelites, unfortunately, did not learn that lesson as they began glorifying other gods and goddesses. The result was that God needed to clean house and eventually abandon Israel for a time.
What’s important to note in the midst of the tragedy that Israel faced is that God didn’t abandon the faithful. In Ezekiel’s vision, a mark was to be put on the foreheads of those who remained faithful to the Lord. Those people would not receive the punishment as others would.
God rewards faithfulness to Him.
This truth goes back to the beginning of time. Noah was faithful, so his family was spared in the great Flood. Abraham believed God (was faithful to Him), and it was credited to him as righteousness. God desires faithfulness out of us, too. He wants us to trust Him and do as He leads. If you were alive during the time of Ezekiel, would you receive the mark on your forehead? Would you be counted among the faithful?
Lord, let my heart break with the things that break Your heart. Instead of being enticed by the world around me, let me be enticed by a desire to please You; keep me from glorifying any person or thing aside from You. And when my final day on earth comes, please let me be found faithful.
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