Angels Are Real

O. T. #1849  "Angels Are Real"

Dec. 29, 2020

Ezekiel 1

LET IT GLOW

Are angels real? Affirmative. One time my toddler son suddenly went toward concrete steps (out a door), about to fall down them and something caught him before his dad and I were able to snatch him from falling. He could have hit his head on his way down and had brain damage. Yes, I believe an unseen angel caught him just in time.

As I read this first chapter of such a prophetic book, I realize how unworthy I am to lead a study of it. Like the prophet, I must fall down before a holy God and seek His Spirit to guide me through, revealing who He is in a manner worthy of His honor and glory, to find understanding of how this can apply its revelation and words to us today about 3,000 years later.

First is the description of the chariot that Ezekiel saw in his vision from God and of God:

• The heavens were opened, like a curtain on a stage that is drawn open for all to see. (verse 1)
• The Word of the LORD came to Ezekiel. (verse 3) Jesus is the Word made flesh.
• The hand of the LORD was upon him. (verse 3) This is so he would believe the report to whom the arm of the Lord is revealed. this hand was upon Moses in Exodus 33 and John in Revelation 1. God's hand was to revive, support, bear up under these discoveries so Ezekiel did not faint. God's grace is sufficient for us. (Matthew Henry)
• A whirlwind came out of the north, a huge cloud, and a fire with a brilliant light glowing around there. (verse 4)
• In the center of the cloud were 4 living beings that looked human, except each had 4 faces and 4 wings. (verse 5-6)
• Their legs were straight and feet like hooves of a calf, shining like burnished bronze. (verse 7) 
• Human hands were under each of the 4 wings. (verse 8)
• The wings of each living being touched another, and moved forward in any direction. (verse 9)
• Each had the face of a human in the front, a lion on the right, an ox on the left, and an eagle on the back. (verse 10)
• The outstretched wings went in whatever direction the Spirit chose without turning around. (verses 11-12)
• Lightning flashed back and forth among them as they darted to and fro. (verse 14)

I think I would have been scared to death, closing my eyes to endure such a sight. How about you if you had such a vision?

LET IT GROW

This divine revelation introduced Ezekiel to the world of angels as he became acquainted with the awesome greatness of God and His attending angels. Their being and power was from God. Daniel numbered them as 10,000 times 10,000, being 100 million. Wow! That is astounding! they are living creatures at the work of God's hands; men on earth are dying creatures. These are 4 particular angels with a purpose, like Michael and Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. God has messengers ready to send forth.

Their four faces were for a purpose: man to show intelligence, a lion to show strength and boldness, an ox to show diligent service, and an eagle to show swiftness to see and divinity. Jesus Christ is revealed in the 4 gospels as the Lion of Judah (Matthew), the ox (Mark) the man (Luke), and the eagle of divinity (John). The vision of John in Revelation 4 parallels Ezekiel's vision. I had not thought of this before. Isn't it like our God?

These cherubims were ministering spirits of the Lord, carrying out God's judgment upon a sinning nation-Judah. Having the appearance of coals of fire was symbolic of judgment and holiness.  (Isaiah's lips were purged and purified with coals of fire upon the altar.)

Judah needed to repent of their idolatry, immorality, and rebellion against God. They were in need of repentance of their sins, and they did later on. Since we are sinners in need of a Savior, and we sin daily, are we like Judah, in need of admitting to God that we have sinned and need His grace and mercy. 

Angels are real. They are ministering servants of God. Are we ministering God's Word to others, showing His love and forgiveness, being strong to stand for Him and His commands, filled with the Holy Spirit?

LET IT GO

There is nothing better than You, Jesus.

You alone are to be worshiped and praised, not angels.

Use us to minister to folks in need.