Reflect:
- After seeing all the detestable actions being done in the Temple (chapter 8), Ezekiel observes as God sends a man throughout the city making marks on people. “Those who grieve and lament…” are the ones to be marked. If what is happening in Jerusalem bothers them as it bothers God, it demonstrates they have a heart for the things of God.
- It’s actually an amazing question, “Do I detest the same things God detests?” In other words, do I share the heart of God? The answer to that can be quite revealing. Like with so many things, we slowly grow accustomed to what was previously unacceptable and soon the guilt or discomfort leaves.
- This is a harsh text. All who are not marked (and it never says any are—though most scholars believe there were some—because some returned from exile) were to be destroyed and their bodies added to the desecration of the Temple. The idea of Israel’s contention that God was ignoring them is repeated as is the promise that God will ignore them as well.
Respond:
- Why do you believe you would be one of the ones to be marked if this were to happen today?
- What specific issues do you believe you hate that God hates? What might He hate that you don’t?
- Read Psalm 139:17-18, 21-22.
Pray: Thank God for His ongoing mercy. Pray that we are not guilty of ignoring what captures the heart of God. Ask God to help us see what He sees and abhor what He abhors.
