I have to admit that today’s reading speaks loudly into why it is good to read through the whole Bible in a year. I had forgotten so many things, but especially one thing – the mark.
Kill old men and women, young men and women, mothers and children. But don’t lay a hand on anyone with the mark. Start at my Temple. – Ezekiel 9:6 MSG
There was a cleansing going on and only those with a mark were redeemed.
“In the sanctuary God should have been most honored, but there He was most dishonored and provoked, and there His holiness would most fully and certainly be vindicated.” – Feinberg
The reason for the cleansing was because the persistent sin presumed on God’s patience and grace and it definitely dishonoured His holiness. As with Sodom and Gomorrah, God honoured the fact that some remained faithful to Him. On them He placed a mark similar to the blood splattered over the door post on the last plague that fell on Egypt – the punishment of death would passover.
This entire experience is about their relationship with God. In fact, Ezekiel creates a step by step view of the presence of God leaving the people. It is quite fascinating to know that when He leaves there is always time to repent. Why do I let pride keep me from waiting so long?
Step #1
The Glory of the God of Israel ascended from his usual place above the cherubim-angels, moved to the threshold of the Temple, and called to the man with the writing case who was dressed in linen.
Then the Glory of God ascended from the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the Temple. The cloud filled the Temple. Court and Temple were both filled with the blazing presence of the Glory of God. – Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4 MSG
The honour and glory and presence of God – moved to the threshold of the Temple.
Step #2
Then the Glory of God left the Temple entrance and hovered over the cherubim. I watched as the cherubim spread their wings and left the ground, the wheels right with them. They stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the Temple. The Glory of the God of Israel was above them. – Ezekiel 10:18-19 MSG
The honour and glory and presence of God – left the Temple entrance and hovered over the cherubim.
Step #3
Then the cherubim spread their wings, with the wheels beside them and the Glory of the God of Israel hovering over them. The Glory of God ascended from within the city and rested on the mountain to the east of the city. – Ezekiel 11:22-23 MSG
The honour and glory and presence of God – ascended…and rested on the mountain to the east of the city.
What kind of person should I avoid being like if I do not want the presence of God leaving me?
Father, I cannot miss this, I cannot miss You taking steps away from me and not be able to notice them. I am like David, praying, “take not Your Holy Spirit from me.”
Erwin (evanlaar1922)
Sixty-six books in a year 