It is becoming more and more frequent that when Christians get together and visit, the subject quickly turns to the insanity that we are witnessing. This irrationality, or insanity, was predicted by the Apostle Paul long ago. Paul used the Greek word chalepos to describe the last days. It is the same word used in Matthew 8:28 to describe the ragingly insane, demon-possessed men, confronted by Jesus.
Please be aware that, of course, the Lord sees and knows the concerns of His children.
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” – Malachi 3:16-17The Lord is preparing a Book of Remembrance which is composed of the names of those who love the Lord and speak often to each other about Him.
The awareness of the Lord is perhaps even clearer in a passage found in the Book of Ezekiel. The prophet described the occasion when the Lord was preparing to leave the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. This event is described in Ezekiel 9:1-6.
Seven men appeared at the north gate of the city. Six of them were armed. The seventh had an inkhorn by his side. The man with the inkhorn was instructed to go through the city and place a mark on the foreheads of all who sigh and cry over the abominations being done.
The mark was the Hebrew letter tav, which in Paleo-Hebrew 2,600 years ago was an X or a cross. The Lord was aware of those who sighed or were distressed over what was going on, just as today. After the man with the inkhorn had completed marking them, the Lord instructed the remaining six armed men to go through the city and not spare or have pity on any that do not have the mark. But He emphasized that they go not near anyone who does have the mark.
The Lord knows our sadness and concerns. He has had a Book of Remembrance prepared. He also has marked those who trust in Jesus. Ephesians 1:13 tells us that those who trust in Jesus are sealed, or marked (sphragizo Strong’s G4972 – to set a seal upon, mark with a seal).
Praise the Lord for His sensitivity to our sighs and sadness. Praise Him for His wonderful patience, but may the Lord Jesus come soon to gather us to Him!