Ezekiel 1:25-28 (MSG). And then, as they stood with folded wings, there was a voice from above the dome over their heads. Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne, sky-blue like a sapphire, with a humanlike figure towering above the throne. From what I could see, from the waist up he looked like burnished bronze and from the waist down like a blazing fire. Brightness everywhere! The way a rainbow springs out of the sky on a rainy day—that’s what it was like. It turned out to be the Glory of God!
Observation
Wings with hands under them, wheels full of eyes, fire and lightning all around – these are the only words, the only description, that Ezekiel can use to try to explain the Glory of God to those who have not experienced personally or seen it with their own eyes. Our analytical minds struggle to picture it. We want to “see” what he describes, to put it all in perspective, to make it fit into our box of understanding. This is so human of us, so much a part of how we assimilate our experiences and deal with the world around us. We want to know where we are going or, at least, know what is coming along the way so we can plan ahead and be prepared to face and overcome any unknowns.
Ezekiel is doing his best, but his descriptions are confusing, and they leave us unsatisfied, without a clear picture, because the glory of God is indescribable, unfathomable, one of those “you had to be there” experiences that cannot be shared with words. As a prophet, Ezekiel was asked to be a sacrifice, a spectacle, a watchman on the wall, one who warns of coming danger, the red alert for those who might wake up to see, to hear, to heed and return to God. God asked him to be a spectacle, to stand up and oppose the king, to put his life at risk. Perhaps he was given this unforgettable, indescribable, overwhelming experience to erase all his questions, objections and doubts about being faithful and committed to do whatever lay ahead that his God asked of him.
Impact on Me
It is truly impossible to convey the full impact of a miracle or other supernatural experience to someone who was not there and did not share in the experience. I have tried unsuccessfully. In 2005, I was privileged to experience God’s glorious presence and miraculous power as He took two groups of wounded people and merged them to create a beautiful community of seasoned saints ready and willing to serve. For all who experienced this miracle, the pathway was long, rocky and difficult leading up to the crossroads where suddenly and spectacularly the miracle became evident, the destination sure, the outcome visible and tangible. Like Ezekiel’s experience, it was a time when we let this overwhelming Glory of God invade our lives, turning seeming impossibilities into realities. This experience displayed God’s majesty, power, glory, grace, timeliness, timelessness and “eyes on me” in ways that are indescribable.
Miracles of this sort – if we remember to celebrate and live in them – also help us to erase our objections and questions when it comes to choosing to obey God in difficult times. On my side of this journey to the crossroads, there were plenty of opportunities to stop, turn around or choose side trips of reacting according to my flesh rather than moving forward by responding according to God’s word. I learned the pain and humiliation of turning the other cheek and praying for and walking in forgiveness toward my enemy. Jesus was faithful to walk with me and, when I wandered, gently but firmly lead me back to the right path, urging me to look down the road ahead and humbly follow Him.
As I stood at the crossroads of the miracle on that first day, I recognized that the trip had changed me, grown me, strengthened me, clarified my purpose, weeded out judgment replacing it with seeds of mercy. I became truly grateful for my Savior Who made the transition possible. I learned that, when I trust Him more than my human nature, the troubles and difficulties of the current moment will always be working His will and purpose in me, strengthening me, preparing me, equipping me. I have stopped trying to make God fit into my box, my expectations, my plans, and strive to let Him be in charge of where I am, what I do, and how much benefit He will gain from the price He asks me to pay.
Devotion
Lord Most High, Almighty God, Father, Savior, Lover of my soul, I worship and adore You. You are the One Who loves me and will lead me with the same everlasting love when I obey or disobey, when I praise or whine, when I wander off or follow closely. I remember when You brought two groups out of deep darkness and turmoil into Your glorious light. Even though we thought all was lost, You were leading us straight to Your presence, Your glory, Your crossroads bathed in Your light. Let me never forget to celebrate and live in the knowledge that Your glory is available on the journey as I walk out my calling to fulfill my part in Your eternal plan. Romans 8:28 Phillips Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. In Jesus’ name, make it so.
Pressing On In His Footsteps 