Ezekiel 9 reminds me that once again, video evidence is the most powerful testimony possible in a trial. We might be swayed by appearance, or debate the meaning of written words, but seeing a violent crime on tape is damning. I suspect there have been many convicted criminals that are angry at the camera. The truth is, the video did not convict them; committing the crime is what made them guilty. In today’s short chapter, Ezekiel is behind the scenes again, hearing the commands of God to heaven’s ministers. “Bring near those who are appointed to execute judgment on the city, each with a weapon in his hand“. First, it is frightening for some to hear that there are angels appointed to execute judgment. Next we see, “With them was a man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side“. One important thing to note, these instructions were issued “beside the bronze altar“. In the Hebrew Temple, this was the place where the atonement sacrifice was offered. It was a place of solemn recognition that sin has a penalty. At the time the Jewish nation was no longer even acknowledging that sin or the Law existed.
Next, “the man clothed in linen” was given instruction. “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it“. Without a place of atonement, God must judge the heart. Many today protest against any standards of right and wrong, ironically quoting, “Judge not lest ye be judged” as some kind of immunity card. Do not be deceived, God Almighty has perfect knowledge and knows the action, the thought and the motive behind it. Psalm 7:11 says, “God is a righteous judge“. Do you know where the place of atonement is?
The instruction is given to the others, “Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion.Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark“. Listen to this chilling priority, “Begin at My sanctuary“. As always, God holds those that represent Him to the highest standard. Meanwhile, Ezekiel the prophet and observer was interceding on behalf of the people. “I fell facedown, crying out, ‘Alas, Sovereign Lord! Are You going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel’?” Please listen to God’s answer, “The sin of the people of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great… the city is full of injustice“. God notes that the people simply think they have no consequences, “the Lord does not see“. And He adds, “I will bring down on their own heads what they have done“. Numbers 32:23 has a word of warning to all that choose to ignore God, “you may be sure that your sin will find you out“. Friend, the solution is not to cuss the camera, but to seek forgiveness. “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2). Your choice, you can hide or you can seek.