After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, God came walking in the garden and called out, “Adam, where are you?” There are a few interesting points in this narrative.
First, it shows that God desires a conversational relationship with His creation. Second, it emphasizes that God is the one who seeks us out.
In Ezekiel, we see this principle repeated—something that occurs consistently throughout the Bible and in our personal lives: God is the one who comes looking for us, not the other way around.
God revealed Himself to Ezekiel in a powerful and awe-inspiring vision, marked by an overwhelming sense of fear and wonder.
As I looked, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually, and in the middle of the fire, something like gleaming amber (Ezekiel 1.4).
The ancient world was filled with many gods. In Babylon, their storm god Adad was believed to control storms, rain, and fertility.
In Ezekiel’s time, it was commonly believed that gods were tied to specific regions. For instance, Yahweh was thought to have power over Judah, while Marduk, the storm god Adad, or other gods held authority over Babylon.
In the vision given to Ezekiel, it was clear that Yahweh was not confined to Judah. It revealed that He had power over the Babylonian storm god and was, in fact, the one true God.
God’s Mighty Servants
Before God revealed His glory to Ezekiel, the vision first showed powerful servants of God acting as chariots carrying His throne.
In the middle of it was something like four living creatures. This was their appearance: they were of human form, each with four faces, and each of them had four wings.
Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished bronze.
Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. And the four had their faces and their wings thus: their wings touched one another; each of them moved straight ahead, without turning as they moved (Ezekiel 1.5-9).
In Ezekiel’s autobiographical account of his vision, the word “like” is pervasive. Ezekiel attempts to convey a vision that only he witnessed, using language that he hoped would resonate with his listeners.
By constantly comparing the vision to familiar things, he aims to bridge the gap between his extraordinary experience and his audience’s understanding.
When I read this, my first thought was how even a glimpse of one of God’s servants would have a profound impact on my life. If I could see even a small vision of one of His servants who carries His throne, I would be completely overwhelmed.
Now, imagine seeing the entire picture.
Four Faces and Wings
As Ezekiel tried to grasp the entire vision, he saw the faces and wings of God’s mighty servants.
As for the appearance of their faces: the four had the face of a human being, the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and the face of an eagle;
Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies (Ezekiel 1.10-11).
We can imagine that the face of a human suggests intelligence, will, and communication. The face of a lion represents strength, while the face of an ox could symbolize fertility. The face of an eagle might convey speed and flight.
These are some of the qualities Ezekiel saw in the supernatural beings that carried God’s throne.
It’s difficult for me to form a clear mental picture of what Ezekiel is trying to convey. However, it’s easy to understand how someone could feel overwhelmed by such an encounter.
As I’ve meditated on this passage in prayer, I’ve reflected on this: How would I feel if I had a similar encounter with one of God’s heavenly beings?
Led by the Spirit
One author has referred to Ezekiel as a prophet of the Spirit. In this instance, the living beings are guided by the Spirit. In Hebrew, “spirit” can mean either wind or the Spirit of God.
It becomes clear as we read further into the book that the Spirit directing these living beings is none other than the Holy Spirit.
Each moved straight ahead; wherever the spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went.
In the middle of the living creatures there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches moving to and fro among the living creatures; the fire was bright, and lightning issued from the fire.
The living creatures darted to and fro, like a flash of lightning (Ezekiel 1.12-14).
The Babylonians may have their storm god, but the vision given to Ezekiel reveals that even God’s ministering servants carry the mighty power of a storm within them.
This declares that the one speaking to Ezekiel and calling him to service is none other than the one true God.
Reflections
Prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel experienced profound encounters with God through visions of His glory and power. While we may not expect such extraordinary visions, we can still expect God to meet us and call us to serve.
We should be attentive to God’s direction, seeking His guidance, and obediently following it. This is His way, not only with His great servants, but also with ordinary people like you and me.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It can be found on the Bob Spradling YouTube channel.
Real Voices 