Above, above and high above

We've just started a sermon series at church on the glory of God. It's part of a month's theme for both services, house groups, prayer meetings etc. All focused on the glory of God. (Which I'm very excited about!)

Today's sermon was on Ezekiel 1, in which Ezekiel saw 'the appearence of the likeness of the glory of the LORD' (v 28) It is an amazing passage full of bizarre imagery, that my minister made a very good job of explaining. But I have a feeling that the reason that Ezekiel fell flat on his face was because of sheer awe in what he saw. I'm sure he spent time later mulling over all the characteristics of God that were revealed. But I think the full-force of the vision is in the broad brush-strokes (although if you get the chance have a read of it all)...

* * *

I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light...and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures.

Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.

Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome.

When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army.

Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.

I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire.

And brilliant light surrounded him.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

* * *

Our God is beyond our comprehension. Ezekiel saw only "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of God", and still fell facedown. God truly does live in unapproachable light (1 Tim 6:16).

And yet. "In him and through faith in him [Christ Jesus our Lord] we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:12) We may know Him. We may come close to Him.


The King of the Universe is still very much the King of the Universe, but all his dealings with us are now all grace and blessing.


To quote C S Lewis -

"Ooh!" said Susan, "I'd thougth he was a man. Is he--quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."

"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver, "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else silly."

"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."