I have been reading through the book of Ezekiel. It always amazes how when God sends a prophet to warn the Israelites of coming judgement for their disobedience, they do not heed the Word of the Lord and mock the prophets. My focus on these books of prophesy has usually been on the evil people who have abandoned God’s law for vile acts. But Ezekiel 9:4 caught my attention as I read: “…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 (NIV).”
Throughout the history of humanity, there has been no shortage of “detestable things that are done.”The same is true today. But I wonder how many of us followers of Jesus “grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done” in the world today. Do we have a heart for God that runs so deep in our soul that we mourn for those who deny God, who reject Jesus. I confess that I often get annoyed or even angry at people who ridicule my faith in Christ or publicly mock God.
To grieve and lament is to feel sorrow, to mourn the impending loss of these souls. It is not just about being saved, about being marked as righteous by God, but also about a desire to bring that salvation to those who are facing destruction. As believers in Christ Jesus, God has anointed us, just as he anointed Ezekiel, to bring the Word of the Lord to the lost. He has placed specific people in our life who need to hear the gospel message. May our heart reflect the love of God; may our prayers be filled with lament and grief for those who reject God as well as a deep desire for them to know the joy of the Lord.
© 2019 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
Thanks for sharing. Despite personal frustrations with our world, we all need remain steadfast in our prayers.
Well said. Our humanity comes through in our frustration, but God comes through in our prayers. Indeed, we need to be steadfast. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
I am often grieved to tears at the evil that rise up and tears loves up. Yet life catches me and I do not lament over it, maybe worry about it affecting or touching my children and grandchildren. You post reminded me God loves a heart that laments over evil and then does something which is praying for a lost world. thanks for the reminder.
It is overwhelming at times to see so much evil, yet our God is so much bigger. May our laments, our prayers, rise up from our afflicted world. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Powerful challenge.
Blessings.
As we live a life of obedience to God, He will works His works through us. We may not see all those works, but every so often, He gives us a peek; and it’s always amazing.
God is amazing. May we continue to have a deeper heart for God. Blessings.
Beautiful
Blessings.
Amen. This reminds me of the Casting Crowns song, “Jesus, Friend of Sinners.” We need to be reminded often of this truth – Thank you!
Sounds like a good song. I will have to check it out. Thanks. Blessings.