Glory to God in the Highest

O. T. #1850  "Glory to God in the Highest"

Dec. 30, 2020

Ezekiel 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

We found out the prophet Ezekiel was among the earliest Hebrew exiles taken from Jerusalem to the land Babylon conquered.  As a priest in his 30's, he saw visions of God and the Word of the LORD came directly to him. (1:1,3) What he saw was astounding. His ministry was under divine mandate and authority.

The first vision of Ezekiel involved a whirlwind coming from the north, a brilliant cloud of flashing fire, then 4 living creatures captured his attention. A description of those angelic creatures was quite unusual (verses 5-8). Those cherubims were bearers of God's throne and protectors of His glory. They appeared as blazing coals of fire darting back and forth like flashes of lightning. (verses 13-14) this may indicate the burning judgments which Ezekiel was called to deliver.

Now let's pick up at verse 15 where Ezekiel sees more in his vision, which are symbolic:

• He saw a wheel within a wheel intersecting in such a way that they can pivot around. (This represents movement, for God is always moving. God has power to work anywhere.
• The rims of the wheels were full of eyes all around it. Our God is all-seeing and omniscient. He sees everything that is happening.
• Those cherubims were on God's throne, a moving platform like a chariot. It moved wherever the Spirit wanted to go. God could follow His people wherever they went, in both judgment and repentance. His presence is inescapable, so God is omnipresent. (verse 20) 
• The Spirit is wisdom, power, and holiness of God, as He governs and guides His angels and all things (wheels). The eyes of the Lord run to and fro through the earth and are in every place, beholding good and evil. He is moving forward to accomplish His purposes.
• God is high above the firmament, while some angels are below Him, too. Ezekiel saw a brilliant display of God's glory. Firmament means expanse; visible arch of the sky. It is mentioned in verses 22, 23, 25, 26.The same word is used in Genesis 1:6 when God separated the waters above the earth from the waters on it.
• Ezekiel saw something on the throne like a man. (verses 26) Was this Jesus, for no one sees God and lives.
• God is a bright shining light and a consuming fire, as amber is color. (verse 22,27)
• A rainbow of bright colors over the throne symbolizes God's never ending faithfulness to His people. (verse 28)

Ezekiel did his best to us words to describe the splendor and glory of the LORD. This is a theophany, a manifestation of God. Ezekiel describes his vision in more detail than the theophanies of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, or Amos. God in His holiness, splendor, and majesty. Wow! That all I can say about this.

LET IT GROW

Not only did Ezekiel see things, but he heard things during this vision from God:

• He heard the noise of the angels' wings like the noise of great waters;
• the voice of the Almighty, as the voice of speech;
• the angels made a noise of an army, when they stood and let down their wings. (verse 24-25).

This symbolizes unlimited strength and power. Nothing can prohibit the completions of God's plans.  Often times angels are used in executing His judgment. The angels are in complete obedience as His bidding is designed.

Aren't we so very glad that Jesus sits at the right hand of God, on His throne, interceding for us sinners!No wonder Ezekiel fell on his face.

God uses His Word to convict us, correct us, reveal His truth and will to us, as well as provide peace for us. How blessed we are to be called His child. Folks, He preserved His Word so we can read it, and prepare for what is to come.

LET IT GO

Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty, who is, was, and is to come.

Our God is an awesome God; He reigns in heaven above.

Thank You Jesus for providing salvation, forgiveness, and righteousness for us!

I can only imagine what it will be like when I come into the presence of such a holy God. I will fall down before Him and beg for mercy.