From the Pulpit: God’s indescribable glory – Part 3

As we have looked at Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory we have seen him describe it as power in the vision of the approaching storm. He went on to describe God’s power as life as he saw the living creatures and described their amazing form.

Verse 22 introduces us to the real focus of this vision. Here is where the details of God’s presence come into view. Ezekiel first sees a shining expanse, larger than anything he can imagine, shining like crystals of ice. The expanse seems to rest on the outstretched wings of the living creatures. The ark of the covenant where God would come down to the people on the Day of Atonement was said to have been built along the same lines as this vision, with the outstretched wings of the angels touching one another on the mercy seat where God would descend and be seated as He accepted the sacrifice for sins. As Ezekiel sees the expanse he mentions the sound of their wings, and the incredible noise they make when they move, like massive amounts of water pouring over a waterfall. It reminds me of the time when we went to Niagara Falls and walked on the boardwalk that took us right up the falls. The sound of that much roaring water was deafening. He also describes it as the sound of a huge army, and ultimately, he calls it the sound of the Almighty.  

The noise stood out even more when the living creatures stood still and dropped their wings and suddenly there was silence.  Then Ezekiel hears a voice from within the expanse. The voice draws his attention further into the expanse where he sees a throne, and seated on that throne was the figure of a man. That man was God in the form of Jesus Christ. Only this is Christ in all of His glory, shining like glowing metal from the waist up, and encased in fire from the waist down, and surrounded by brilliant light all around. The emphasis is on the light. The presence of God is light … brilliant, blinding light.

When Ezekiel sees the Lord he suddenly understands the entire vision. In verse 28 he declares, “This was the appearance of the glory of the Lord.” Above all else the glory of the Lord is His presence. All of the power and life in this vision came from the presence of God. All of the wonders of creation hold their beauty because of the presence of God. Without Him there is nothing.

Ezekiel’s response to the presence of God is the same as so many others who received a vision of God: he falls prostrate, face-down on the ground in fear and humility and reverence. That is the effect of the glory of the Lord. We can’t even stand in the holiness of His presence.

That is the glory of God. It’s a vision of power, and of life, and of His presence. It’s a vision that will transform us forever.  When we have seen even a glimpse of the glory of God we will never be the same again. It’s a vision we can never forget.

This was said to take place in a large church in Ohio. A member of the Stewardship Board named Tom climbed up into the alcove which held the organ pipes in order to check the humidifier. While he was hidden up behind the screen some of the younger children came running into the sanctuary. As they ran down the aisle Tom shouted, “Stop running!”

There was a moment of stunned silence, and then came the question, “Who said that?”

Tom couldn’t resist. He replied, “God! Don’t run in My house.”

The children walked out of the sanctuary and at least one of them, now an adult, still remembers that lesson about reverence for God’s house.  

Those children thought they had an encounter with God and it changed them. That’s what the vision of God’s glory does to us.  It changes us forever. It changed Ezekiel and set the course for the rest of His life.  

Have you seen God’s glory? Has that sense of His power and presence and life transformed you forever? Has your life changed because of that encounter? Live in obedience and submission to God. Live in a straight line for Him without turning. It’s the Ezekiel response to an encounter with the glory of God.