226. EZE 9:4-6. THE DISTINGUISHING SIGNS OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Eze_9:4-6. The Distinguishing Signs of the Righteous

"Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations done in the midst of her," &c.’97Eze_9:4-6.

In the preceding chapter Ezekiel is called to behold, in vision, the abomination of the house of Israel. Then he is directed to denounce against them the designs of Divine wrath. After this he is called to behold one in the attire of a priest, with an inkhorn in his hand, accompanied by five others, who had weapons of slaughter in their hands. And the man with the inkhorn is addressed in the language of the text, "Go through the midst," &c.

Notice,

I. The Characters described.

"The men that sigh and cry for all the abominations," &c.

The characters are those,

1. Who inwardly feel and lament on account of the abominations of men.

Many are totally indifferent themselves; many appear partially anxious for themselves, but totally indifferent to others. Those who are sincerely godly, after offering themselves to the Lord, feel their souls burdened on account of the depravity which prevails around them.

Now they thus feel,

(1) From a remembrance of their own former condition. They know how bitter and evil sin is. They have experienced the bondage, the wormwood, and the gall.

They thus feel,

(2) From a sincere concern for the glory of God. They desire to see the divine glory. God is glorified in the salvation of souls. He is magnified in their praises lives, &c. They show forth his praises, &c. Are his workmanship, &c.

They thus feel,

(3) From a deep compassion and love to souls. Religion in every case produces deep-toned pity for souls. The good man contemplates their original dignity, their amazing powers and faculties, their deep and fallen estate; the immense price at which they have been redeemed, and the endless woes to which they are exposed. "He sighs," &c.

Observe,

2. The evidence of this inward feeling for souls.

"They cry for all the abominations," &c.

This cry may include,

(1) The cry of a godly example. Every Christian is a constant monitor; every pious act has a voice to address the sinner.

(2) The cry of earnest entreaty and admonition. Christians are to testify to the world; to warn, rebuke, admonish, entreat, exhort, expostulate, &c.

(3) The cry of fervent prayer for their salvation. "O, let the wickedness of the wicked," &c. See Abraham pleading for Sodom, Moses for Israel, Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Paul, &c. Jesus for his murderers, &c.

Notice,

II. The Mark appointed.

"And set a mark upon the foreheads, &c.

Now this is,

1. A mark of distinction.

Thus are God’s people distinguished from the rest of the world. They are a peculiar people, &c. Name, nature, costume, &c. "Ye are not of the world," &c.

2. It is a Divine mark.

Human distinctions are often erroneous, seldom important. God must give the impress. He must stamp the image. We are anointed and sealed of God.

3. This mark is prominent.

"In the forehead." Grace in its essence is secret, but always visible in its effects God sees its nature and reality, and men its evidences and fruits. This mark is visible to God, angels, devils, and men.

4. This mark is essential.

Nothing will supply its place. Whatever we are, or say or do, we must sigh and cry for all the abominations. Without this sign we are strangers to the grace of God.

Observe,

III. The Deliverance secured.

The avengers are not to come near those who have the mark, &c.

Now this deliverance,

1. Is from destruction.

From the sword of the destroyer. To us, from the second death.

2. It is personal.

Only him with the mark. Not his family; not his dearest friend, &c. Religion entirely a personal matter. See Mat_24:37-41.

3. The deliverance is certain.

God commands that they do not come near them. They shall all be preserved, and preserved completely. Not one in the ark perished’97not one Israelite on the death of the first-born in Egypt’97not one who had a wedding garment was expelled’97not one believing, soul shall go down to the pit. It cannot be. God’s word and perfections are pledged; Christ’s blood has been shed; the influence of the Spirit imparted, &c.

Application

1. The subject furnishes a test of Christian character. Do we sigh and cry, &c. Are we affected by the prevailings of impiety, the aboundings of transgression, drunkenness, profanity, sabbath desecration, &c.

2. It should be a stimulus to increased exertion. The world is perishing’97spirits are passing into eternity.

3. Urge upon the exposed sinner the necessity of immediately obtaining the mark. He that believeth in the Lord Jesus Christ shall be delivered from condemnation and eternal wrath.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS