Marked with a Cross

 

Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side. “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.” And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone!…. Ezekiel 9:3-5

This occurred in the vision given to Ezekiel, by God, after God had shown him the incredible extent of idol worship in the temple of Jerusalem and in the surrounding area...along with the total depravity of their society. God's glory would now leave the temple and utter destruction would fall on Jerusalem/Israel. This happened in history through the Babylonian invasion. 

But before God's judgement would fall, He had one of His angels/cherubim go throughout the city of Jerusalem and mark the foreheads of all those who were greatly disturbed and saddened by the abominations and evil in their land...those who were saddened by the lack of love, worship, obedience and respect for Almighty God. 

The word "mark" is the Hebrew word "tav." (mark - as a sign of exemption from judgment). And from the Hebrew-Chaldee (Babylonian) Lexicon - "a sign in the form of a CROSS branded on the thigh or neck of horses and camels...which in Phoenician, and on the coins of the Maccabees has the form of a CROSS." Lexicon

Wow! So in Ezekiel's vision, he saw an angel dressed in linen, go throughout the city of Jerusalem and mark the foreheads of those who were grieved over the great sins of that city, with a CROSS! This mark of the CROSS on their foreheads, by an angel, would save them from the coming destruction! 

I sit in absolute AWE of God's Word! Once again, it points to JESUS.