SEALED: Marked for Eternity!

"Mark the blameless man …"

Psalm 37:37

"… you were sealed in Him …"

Ephesians 1:13 [also 4:30]

"… sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads ..."

Revelation 7:3

I was reminded the other day of how our American hobos marked the homes of those who befriended them.

Contrary to urban legends, American generosity is not a guaranteed commodity. Going from town to town and living on the road many times resulted in an empty stomach. Handouts were often few and far between. So when a generous person was found, it was a good idea to remember where they lived, should you pass their way again.

The mark was well-known to those on the road; hobos could quite easily travel from border to border and coast to coast never lacking for a meal or a grubstake.

God has marked those who belong to Him. The Bible says, "His name shall be on their foreheads" [Revelation 22:4]. And it also says we have been sealed … the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His” … [2 Timothy 2:19].

But God has also marked others: "who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ" [Jude 1:4].

Then again, Satan also has his mark [Revelation 13:16-17]. Oh, beloved, be certain of your mark [2 Peter 1:10-11].

Christianity, Illustrations,
Justification, Religion