While Ezekiel was being shown visions of Jerusalem’s sin, next he saw six men who were coming to execute God’s judgment, plus one who had a writing kit! His job was to put a mark on all those who grieved and mourned over the detestable things done in Jerusalem (4). Then the terrible judgment was carried out, but those who had the mark were spared (6).

This vision symbolizes how, in Jesus, we are marked by God to be saved from his judgment. Just as the mark was put on those who grieved and lamented, the requirement for our salvation is repentance—genuine grief over our sin and others’ sin. The true mark God gives us is not something visible. It is the Holy Spirit, who is the seal of our salvation, the proof that we belong to God.

This vision also reminds us that we can be confident that God is able to save us out of judgment, even if it is happening all around us. We should see ourselves as “marked” and have a sense of identity as set-apart people.
Application: Father, thank you for marking those who belong to you in order to save us from judgment. Help me grieve over the sins of myself and others and see myself as your treasured possession.
One Word: Marked for the Lord