Judgment is hard...
Ezekiel is shown the devastating consequences of sin. Israel's rebellion had been going on long before Ezekiel's lifetime, but now he was witnessing the judgment that followed. It was difficult for him to watch, so much so that he cried out to the Lord, asking if He would destroy all the remnant of Israel.
The Lord directs: "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 the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it." Ezekiel 9:4
When reading passages like this, some question the mercy of God. Even Ezekiel struggled with what he was witnessing. But Israel had continually rejected the Lord and His ways for generations. God had patiently warned His people, calling them to repentance, yet they continued in their rebellion.
Judgment is hard to understand at times, but God's justice is just as much a part of His character as His mercy. Israel knew the Lord's commands, yet continued in sin, not only bringing destruction upon themselves but also influencing others to follow their ways.
Yet, even in judgment, we see the mercy of God. The Lord marked a remnant of those who grieved over the abominations committed in Israel. They had not embraced the wickedness around them, and the Lord saw their faithfulness.
What an encouragement for us today! We can be confident that the Lord sees and knows all. Even when surrounded by a world that rejects Him, He knows those who belong to Him. Those who refuse to bow their knees to idols are not forgotten.
This is a reminder to examine our own hearts, but also to have compassion for those around us who have yet to surrender their lives to Jesus. Rather than simply grieving over the sin around us, may we be moved to share the hope found in Christ.
May we be among those who remain faithful to Jesus, refusing to bow to the idols of this world, while faithfully leading others to the cross.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.