Written Where?

Writing instruments and writing materials vary with purpose. Sometimes things get written that should not be written or become scrawled across places where writing should not be. Graffiti defaces bridges, fences, walls, sidewalks, and other public surfaces. For one reason or another people have decided to leave their MARK. However, the MARK of life choices also becomes engraved in lives. How are we MARKED and how lasting is the MARK connected with our identity?

Note what was stated of Judah at the time of Jeremiah.
“The sin of Judah is WRITTEN WITH A PEN OF IRON; WITH A POINT OF DIAMOND IT IS ENGRAVED ON THE TABLET OF THEIR HEART, and on the horns of their altars,” ( Jeremiah 17:1 ESV)

Sin had become such a part of the life of the people of Judah that it had become engraved deeply and lastingly upon their heart. How sad for such ungodliness to be identified with their lives. Because of their lack of faithfulness to God they were destined to lose their possessions and be removed from their land. ( Jeremiah 17:3-4)

Later on in this same chapter we read…
“O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; THOSE WHO TURN AWAY FROM YOU SHALL BE WRITTEN IN THE EARTH, for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water.” ( Jeremiah 17:13 ESV)

Because God’s people had forsaken Him, it was death rather than life that was in store for them. Their MARK would be like that written in the earth. Some translations refer to it as being written in the dust. That would imply no sense of permanence; written in that which is only of a temporary nature.

What kind of MARK are we seeking to be established by our life? The character that MARKS our heart will be a determining factor in what that will be. Will it be a MARK merely of death or one of life? Will it be a mark in the dust (the earth) or something more permanent (heavenly)?

Remember what Jesus encouraged the disciples to rejoice over.
“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but REJOICE THAT YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.” ( Luke 10:20 ESV)

Earth is merely a temporary place. It is Heaven of which eternity is linked. We need to continue living in a right relationship with our Lord so that our name will be written in the Lamb’s book of life. ( Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 21:27 ESV) Therefore, let us strive for the Lord’s Will to be engraved on the tablet of our heart so that in living for Him we will be drawn by Him into the eternal rest He Wills to provide.

Have a great day ASSURED OF BEING IN THE LAMB’S BOOK!
Carl

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