This week’s devotional is heavy on scripture. As I prayed and attempted to write, I had trouble making sense of my thoughts and finding the perfect words. Luckily I was not called here to be perfect, and the perfect words inspired by the perfect author already exist. And on that note, I would like to direct you to Ezekiel 1:4-5, 25-28:
4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
…
25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
As you read, can you imagine the scene painted by Ezekiel? Do you get lost in awe? Blinded by beauty? Overwhelmed by magnificence? Paralyzed by wonder?
The Bible paints such a beautiful and magnificent picture of God and the entire spiritual realm. Yet, it still cannot even begin to capture the true splendor. While on Earth it is impossible to grasp the reality and entirety of God’s being, just as the Lord revealed himself to Ezekiel, He is still revealing Himself to us today. Giving us glimpses of His wonder…
The flawless blending of a sunset…
The majesty of nature…
The gift of new life…
Each of these experiences give us a glance at heaven and point to God.
From the specific passage above, Ezekiel’s description of God’s form reminds me of a glowing sunset:
“And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it…” (Ezekiel 1:27)
Both the view from a mountain top or the sound of crashing waves remind me of creation. Additionally, they remind me the same God who created every particle in the universe is the same God who holds my hand today.
“And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:9-10).
The gift of life points to the complexity of God, and, once again, his form.
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139: 13-14).
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26).
“… and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it” (Ezekiel 1:26).
These glimpses surround us. These divine moments can be found in each day. But we have to wake up. We have to anticipate and focus on God’s glory and goodness. If we spend our days “sleeping” and aimlessly wondering through life, we will miss these encounters and experiences. We will miss the chance to draw closer to God, to praise Him in awe and wonder, to share His goodness with others, and to be reminded of our hope in Heaven.
Just this past week, our focus was tested and maybe even shaken. The events of the week were heartbreaking and scary. It was easy for us to see the corruption, hatred, and sin which have stained our world for far too long.
It was not easy to see the good or feel hopeful. But it was not, and is not, impossible.
The sun still set.
The tide rose and fell.
The mountains did not crumble.
The cycle of life continued.
Our focus is our choice, and I pray you will focus on the things which point us above.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:2-4
“There are times when God graciously thins the veil between heaven and earth to give us a glimpse of His glorious presence. The splendor of eternity becomes so real you can almost touch it.”
Mei L. Au