QT 6/1/2023 Ezek 1:4-14, God's holiness cannot be ignored

Ezekiel 1:4–6, 13-14 (ESV) —

4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal. 5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness, 6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings. … 13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14 And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.

 

NOTE: Later in 10:5 and 10:20, these four living creatures are called "cherubim." Cooper comments they "were divinely appointed guardians of the holiness of God. Their mission was to prevent anything unholy from coming into the presence of a holy God." Their appearance was part angel, part human, and part animal, affirming God's relationship to his creation. Israel was now mostly exiled, and soon to see the city and the temple completely destroyed. The question of the time had to be, is our God really over all? Or are there other more powerful gods? And what about God's dwelling? God had, through his prophets, told Israel that he was going to use a foreign power to punish his people. God's presence before Ezekiel reaffirms that however the situation might look, God is still there. He is not defeated. And the immensity of the vision (the power and majesty) also affirms God's great power and his sovereignty.

 

From a symbolic sense, God's coming out of the storm is a reminder to us as we live in the storms of life, God is still there, and God is still in charge.

 

The holiness of God is being trampled in every aspect of life, sometimes in subtle ways (coarse language, dress, appearance) and also in overt ways (sexual immorality, sexual deviations, lying, arrogance, narcissism, pride in our shame). We should remember that we serve a holy God who is surrounded by cherubim who emphasize that holiness to all who come near the throne. If it was not for Jesus, we would be totally unworthy.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I serious about God's holiness in my everyday life?

 

PRAYER: Father, my nation will be judged / is being judged for their unholiness. Soon, the whole world will be judged for its sin and evil nature. May my life be used by you to restore and save people from the hell of their own existence, and your coming judgment.