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Ezekiel-9

The Mark of Salvation: A Devotional Study on Ezekiel 9​

Introduction​

As prophet Ezekiel continues recording the Lord's message to the nation of Israel, the scene shifts to a terrifying event: the divine judgment falling on the city of Jerusalem. In Ezekiel 9, we read of a divine judgement that seems reminiscent of the plague of the firstborn sons in Egypt. The starkness of this event commands special attention. Understand that every judgement of God, is out of His love and discipline to His people, and as we delve into Ezekiel 9, let's explore the spiritual insights embedded in this prophetic message.

Section 1: The Four Men and the Ink-Containing Bags (Ezekiel 9:1-4)​

Devotional Thought: The Lord directs Ezekiel to record that six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which faced north, each with an ink-containing bag. They appear to have been sent forth by God to execute judgment. These "men of terror" are described in such a way that each one had a sinister demeanor and carried with them their funereal bundles and high-pitched laments, indicating more ghastly scenes to follow.

The same is true for us today. Before we pass judgment, we should look at our own selves, lest we become a party among the "men of terror." True biblical judgment starts from the regenerated heart, lest we come racing beside the divine agents of judgment, wearing the funereal colors and wailing a dirge that honors none but ourselves.

Reflection Questions:

  • Are you flooded with a sense of funeral and woe, rendering your heart darker in faith?
  • Do you weep for the sins of others and yourself?

Section 2: The Mark of Salvation (Ezekiel 9:5-6)​

Devotional Thought: God commanded the men to go through the city and mark the foreheads of those who grieved and lamented because of the wickedness being done in their midst. This marked group was not to be touched by the judgement that was about to descend upon the city.

In contrast, the ones whose foreheads were not marked were to be slain. The phrase "exiled to the farthest parts of the earth" represents total removal from the land, and emphasizes the tremendous distance between a marked people and nations of non-believers.

Reflection Questions:

  • Do you bear the marks of salvation, lest the hand of judgment fall on you?
  • In what ways can you be marked by the salvific blood of Christ, set apart, and abide amongst a people whom the Lord is at this point blotting out from the earth's face?

Section 3: The Prophetic Significance (Ezekiel 9:7-11)​

Devotional Thought: In the aftermath of the event, Ezekiel prostrated himself in agony towards the divine scheme that, in reality, was merely the manifestation of God’s righteous anger. Ezekiel cries to God over the multitude of people who would perish because of their impiety.

The Lord responds with a divine speech containing a grave prophecy. The prophecy is yet to be literally fulfilled, yet it is clear that the wickedness of the nation hasn't permanently abated. Quite the contrary, people's hearts grow more corrupt with each passing day, notwithstanding the prophetic ministrations of the sainted.

Reflection Questions:

  • Are you weeping for your heart that is growing more corrupt with each passing day?
  • In what ways can we be part of the group marked with salvation so as not to be composed in the farthest reaches of the earth, as befell the judgment-bereft, as foretold in this text?

Conclusion:​

In this perplexing passage in Ezekiel, we are brought to the irrepressible salvific promise of God. Before the "men of terror" carry their bags, and before we pass any judgment, we should ponder and pore ourselves over the importance, as well as the impenitence, of the contemporary church. Are you one of the marked, justified, and saved by grace?