Marked By God

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Marked By God
by PJ Salas

"And the Lord said to him, go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of those who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it."

"And I heard Him say to others, follow him through the city, and kill, do not spare any, and have no pity. Utterly slay old and young men, women and little children; but do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin with My house. So they began with the elders who were before the Lord's house." Ezekiel9:4-6.

Deviated

Verses four through six of Ezekiel chapter nine are a small segment of a much larger passage inclusive of Ezekiel chapter eight and nine. (Ezekiel8:1-9:11).

In a vision, God addressed the prophet regarding the condition of His people, specifically concerning false worship. The Almighty is utterly disgusted with ancient Israel and their blatant disregard of Him, the One who unfailingly came to their rescue, routinely delivering them, and ever providing their needs.

In these verses, God is marking His people on their foreheads, those who truly loved Him, grieved over the loathsome behavior of their fellow Israelites.

What were the abhorring acts that caused God to slay all, not marked by Him? In deference to false gods, priests of God's people were exalting idols in the Lord's house, using His holy utensils. Others, with their backs to the Lord's Sanctuary, in His court, facing the east, were worshiping the sun. (Ezekiel8:1-18).

False Worship

For years, Israel glorified idols, which is of the highest insult, and the ultimate slap in God's face. Not only is He the Creator, which should evoke reverence and adoration for Him, but repeatedly the Almighty saved Israel from their enemies.

Habitually Israel adhered to false worship, paying homage to idols, and choosing to venerate the sun instead of the One who created the sun. The Lord persistently admonished and warned Israel; and callously, willfully, and obstinately, they turned their backs to God and put their face to false adulation. (2Kings17:7-41; 21:1-26;23:2-20;Ezekiel 8:1-18;Romans1:25). God had enough. At the Lord's command, those who loved Him were marked, distinguishing them from the idolaters, that the destroyers touch not His beloved followers.

Meaning

In Ezekiel's vision, the mark of God, placed on the foreheads of His people, is particularly meaningful. The English word "mark" translated from Hebrew is defined in several terms, such as, "sign, note, and label" to name a few. However, repetitively significant interpretations are "brand" and "mark".

Of interest is the word "character" which is another recurring definition of the Hebrew word (תָּו) rendered "mark". As this meaning implies letters and symbols used in written language, so our behavior is a depiction, a transcription of our character, how we live and worship.

Marked By Worship

Revelation, chapter fourteen, points out a special people who are blameless, having God's name written on their foreheads. This chapter starkly contrasts those who worship God, and those who worship the beast, marked by receiving the name of one or the other on their forehead. (Re14:1-12;alsoRe13:11-16;20:4;22:3,4).

The mark of God is right worship of Him. It is worshiping Him in truth and spirit. (Jn4:23). His name marked on the foreheads of His people represents His law in our mind and in our heart (Je31:33;He8:10;10:16); particularly His fourth commandment which addresses His worship.

The Mark of God is right worship. It is worshiping the Creator the way He commands to be worshiped. (Exodus20:8-11).

Venerating Who

Who do you worship? Whom do you adore? Are you elevating God and His truth in your life? Do you follow God and worship Him in truth, or do you lionize what is bogus?

Exalting the fabricated leashes us to erroneous practices.

Enabled For Obedience

Who marks your life? Is God's name in your forehead? Are you obeying God and worshiping Him aright? Or, are you following commonly accepted spurious beliefs and practices?

False worship is offensive and insulting to God. The Creator has told us how He wants to be worshiped. (Exodus20:8-11). He expects us to follow His commands, and do what He says. He has gone to great lengths to enable and empower us. He has given us His Son to pay the price for our sins (1John2:2;4:10), and to enable us to live as He expects. (Galatians1:4;Philippians4:13).

Love God

Jesus so loves us that He willing laid down His life for us. This should cause us to well up with sincere love to God, and follow what He says through the all-empowering Savior.

Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." John14:15. Let us love God, and worship Him in truth and spirit. "For the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to worship Him." John4:23.