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- Immanence: Visions of God
Imagine you are ripped from your homeland and thrust into a foreign land. Despair and disillusionment threaten to consume you. This is the backdrop for the prophet Ezekiel’s vision in the opening chapter of his book, where he is divinely transported to the breathtaking throne room of God.
“Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.” — Ezekiel 1:1 NKJV
Today, you are taking off on a journey centered on Ezekiel 1. You are alongside Ezekiel, the prophet called to serve during the Israelites’ captivity in Babylon. In this profound vision, God unveils a glimpse of His glory to Prophet Ezekiel.
The opening chapter of Ezekiel pulsates with luminous imagery, transporting readers to the throne of God. In this transformative divine encounter, Ezekiel is not offered empty platitudes; the prophet is granted supernatural access to the Glory of God.
Ezekiel’s visions inform our theological understanding of God’s sovereignty and His glory. Using the original Hebrew text for a deeper understanding, let us explore this verse.
The chapter opens in medias res — a Latin phrase for “in the midst of things,” indicating plunging into a story in the middle of the action — propelling readers back in time to the Chebar River with the Prophet Ezekiel, likely a canal system in Mesopotamia where the Israelites were exiled.
Ezekiel sets the stage, anchoring the vision in a specific time and place. The day is meticulously recorded: “the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month (Ezekiel 1:1).” The emphasis on the exact date marks the momentous nature of the revelation that Ezekiel received. This precise dating grounds the prophet’s vision in history, emphasizing that this divine encounter was not a dream; it stands as a tangible moment in time.
Suddenly, amid the despair of exile, “the heavens were opened.” The “heavens opening” denotes a transcendent moment, a tear in the veil that separates humanity from divinity.
The Hebrew word “pāthar” translates to “opened,” denoting a forceful tearing open. This suggests that God is taking the initiative, shattering the natural to grant Ezekiel supernatural access to His Glory. For believers, this is symbolic of the bride’s veil which has been lifted. The bride of Christ is the Church. The Church now has access to God’s glory through faith in Jesus Christ.
What follows is a cascade of awe-inspiring imagery. A “whirlwind” — the Hebrew word “se`ārāh” denotes a violent tempest — erupts, accompanied by a great cloud with consuming fire surrounded by dazzling brightness.
“Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire.” — Ezekiel 1:4 NKJV
Out of this maelstrom emerged four “living creatures,” each a magnificent paradox — human in form yet possessing four faces and four wings. The ambiguity of their form — an incredible fusion of human and animals — underscores the otherness, the ineffability, of God’s celestial court.
“As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle.” — Ezekiel 1:10 NKJV
These living creatures, symbolic of the guardians of God’s presence, imbued with power, move with unprecedented ceaseless activity — the Hebrew word “thōmēd” implies a rhythmic, tireless motion. This incessant movement symbolizes God’s eternal sovereignty, His immanent presence and power.
“And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.” — Ezekiel 1:26 NKJV
Above the creatures stretches a magnificent expanse, a “firmament” — the Hebrew word “raqia” suggests a solid expanse. This firmament is not empty. Above the firmament, a throne comes into view, radiant as dazzling sapphire, a color associated with royalty, further emphasizing the majesty of the throne. Finally, Ezekiel catches a glimpse of a likeness of a man, yet glowing like fire and encompassed by a rainbow.
“Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.” — Ezekiel 1:28 NKJV
Enthroned upon this sapphire platform sits a figure whose description defies human comprehension. Ezekiel attempts to capture the indescribable with a series of metaphors: “like a man,” “amber” and “fire,” and a “rainbow.” These elements, fire symbolizing God’s consuming holiness, and the rainbow as a reminder of His covenant, all point to God’s faithfulness and the awe of His Glory.
“I am putting my rainbow in the cloud — it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth.” — Genesis 9:13 CJB
The Significance of Ezekiel’s Vision for Christians Today
This layered vision of God offers profound theological insights.
First, it emphasizes God’s absolute transcendence. The whirlwind, fire, and brilliance surrounding the throne all speak to God’s ineffable nature, beyond human comprehension. Yet, amid this transcendence, emerges divine revelations. The creatures, the firmament, and the throne all point to a God who is actively present, ruling, and infinitely governing His creation.
Second, the vision underscores God’s holiness. The imagery of fire and brilliance evokes a sense of awe and reverence, reminding us of the infinite chasm that separates humanity from God’s perfect holiness.
Divine Hope for Christians
This glimpse into God’s glory might seem daunting. However, the vision offers a powerful message of hope for Christians; that is: even in the midst of crisis, God is still on the Throne. His presence transcends geographical boundaries, offering solace and a reminder that, in the end, God’s purposes will always prevail in your life.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” — Psalms 46:10 NKJV
Conclusion
Ezekiel 1 is your message of comfort and hope. In your crisis, or in life’s smallest battles, God shows up.
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV
Ezekiel 1 also serves as a portal, ushering us into the throne room of God. It is a humbling and empowering experience, reminding us of God’s awe-inspiring Glory and His unfailing presence, even in the daily lives of believers today.
By studying this chapter of the Book of Ezekiel, you will gain a deeper appreciation for God’s sovereignty and the hope He offers to believers in the face of any challenge.
Reflection Questions
Ezekiel’s vision portrays God as both transcendent and ever present in the lives of believers.
(1) How does this understanding impact your view of God’s role in your daily life, even during challenging times?
(2) What does this passage (Ezekiel 1) reveal about Ezekiel’s personal relationship with God?
(3) It’s YOUR TURN! What will it take for YOU to see The Glory of God this Summer?
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