From Glory To A Servant Of All
Notes
Transcript
22 Now over the heads of the living beings there was something like an expanse, like the awesome gleam of crystal, spread out over their heads.
23 Under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward the other; each one also had two wings covering its body on the one side and on the other.
24 I also heard the sound of their wings like the sound of abundant waters as they went, like the voice of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army camp; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.
25 And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.
26 Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.
27 Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him.
28 As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.
Overview verse by verse
Overview verse by verse
V. 22; Ezekiel 1:22 “22 Now over the heads of the living beings there was something like an expanse, like the awesome gleam of crystal, spread out over their heads.”
Right before our passage, Ezekiel saw 4 living creatures just like the ones found in Revelation 4.
Above the living creatures was what looked like an expanse.
The word “expanse” refers to some kind of platform.
This “platform” was above the living creatures and resembled ice and was where the throne of God was resting.
V. 23-25; Ezekiel 1:23-25 “23 Under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward the other; each one also had two wings covering its body on the one side and on the other. 24 I also heard the sound of their wings like the sound of abundant waters as they went, like the voice of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army camp; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings. 25 And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.”
The voice of the Lord and the sound of the living creatures wings were like rushing water.
Ever been to the Niagara Falls?
V. 26-27; Ezekiel 1:26-27 “26 Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man. 27 Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him.”
Positioned on the “expanse” was a throne of sappir, referring to Lapis Lazuli. A gem stone that is deep blue in color. In ancient times this color represented that of power and royalty.
Seated on the throne was a MAN!!!
6 Then I heard one speaking to me from the house, while a man was standing beside me.
13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.
Jesus is eternal!
Nothing much more is said describing God except that his appearance was like fire with a silhouette of a man.
If you read couple of verses before our passage, Ezekiel is able to give clear and detailed descriptions of the living creatures.
However, when it comes to God, Ezekiel is lost for words.
V. 28; Ezekiel 1:28 “28 As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.”
There is a rainbow around the throne just as in Rev. 4:3.
Ezekiel fell on his face in worship.
This wasn’t, “oh, let me worship God right now..” kind of a thing.
This response was automatic, no preemptive thought, but the only response that a human being can even dare to produce at the sight of God of Israel.
This is what He left
This is what He left
The first three gospels recollects the birth of Jesus.
He was born as a helpless child.
His life was in danger and required human intervention for salvation.
Not only in birth, but He GREW in Mary’s womb!!!
It wasn’t like “BAM!” and Jesus was ready to be birthed. Mary CARRIED the Ezekiel 1 God in her womb for 10 months!!!!!!!!
And the death He died...
Crucified on the cross naked to be mocked and ridiculed by the world.
Spat on, slapped, whipped, tortured.
Nailed on a tree.
Crown of thorns as means for ridicule.
Just imagine being pushed and hit around by a mob. Ripping your clothes until you are naked, they pointing fingers at you and laughing while spitting at you, then finally killing you.
Take a moment and think about the downgrade Jesus just went through.
From Ezekiel 1 glory to being a carpenter in 1st century middle east.
And His death.
Just wow...
The question is for what? Why would Ezekiel 1 God do such a thing? Was He bored? Was He just looking for some kind of adventure? Did He have nothing better to do? What was it?
The reason for it all
The reason for it all
The answer is found in John 17.
For you to live forever.
2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.
For your joy to be made full.
13 “But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.
For you to be glorified as He is glorified.
22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;
It was all for your good…for all your benefit...
What other response can we give but full devotion. All of our adoration and love?
How else can we respond to this God?