Articles
“The Mark”
“The Mark”
Tyler King
If one were to read the opening chapters of Ezekiel, they would notice a very grim reality that the nation of Israel was living in. The people rejected nearly every leader God gave them and even went as far as to refuse the very voice of God (Ez. 3:7). They were blessed but leveraged their blessing for sin, just like every other nation that surrounded them (Ez. 5:5,6). They no longer honored the temple of God and were comfortable offering their detestable worship (5:11). The tone of the opening pages of Ezekiel is bleak and harrowing.
Yet in the midst of a struggling people, God recognized there was a number of those who remained steadfast to Him. Even though the nation as a whole was insufferable to God, there were some who devoted themselves to abstain from the detestable abominations. Notice what God says concerning these select people; “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it” (Ez. 9:4). Those who had the mark were safe from the wrath of God. Perhaps a shadow of what took place at the Exodus and the Passover (12:7).
What is particularly fascinating about the Old Testament is how often it magnifies circumstances in the New Testament. Several hundred years later, the apostle John would pen the Revelation. In this incredibly vivid and awe-inspiring book (just like Ezekiel), the reader gains a knowledge of the exclusivity of being righteous in God’s eyes; that is, not everyone will escape His wrath nor experience His peace. In Revelation chapter 3, Jesus encourages the individuals who overcome this life that He will “write on them” a new name. Those who present themselves as righteous are given an inscription directly from God. Moreover, there are similar references to God placing His mark on those who present themselves as righteous (Rev. 7:3; 9:4). Only those who have the mark of God are those who will escape judgment.
However, as one continues to read through the Revelation, there is another mark that is mentioned. This second mark does not come from God, but from the second “beast” who revels in worldly wickedness. The mark given by the second beast is one that is tempting for all who live in the world, for by having this mark, the people of the time were able to trade, buy, and sell – grow in their worldly gain and status (Rev. 13:15-17). This also meant impoverished lifestyles for those who had God’s mark, and not the mark of the beast. Those in the world will find themselves in the position of thinking they won. However, the text of Revelation 14 rings louder than the woeful arrogant battle cry of worldly victory. Those who have the mark of God are those that will:
Find themselves the presence of Jesus and the rest of His saints (14:1)
Bask in the glory of heavenly celebration (14:2,3)
Be seen for pure in conduct, and be remembered for their rescue from sin (14:4,5)
The life of a Christian is one of absolute devotion. It requires the individual to hate evil, groan over wickedness, and remain absent from sinful lifestyles (Ezekiel 9:4). The pursuit of Christianity perseveres even when faith is not convenient (Revelation 13:17). Ultimately, when one is committed to Jesus and His commands, the mark of God is placed upon the individual and they are no longer seen as the world’s, but God’s (Rev. 14:1, 4). Christians do not merely bear the name “Christian;” rather, they are accompanied with a mark that can only be given by the divine.
P.S. from Odie – Do not get caught up in the imagery and lose sight of the main point. We do not have to identify some mysterious symbol or mark. The main point is this: God knows who belongs to Him. As for a mark God sees, think about the blood of Christ. For one the world sees, think of the image of Christ stamped over my life.
