Ezekiel 1:25-28 – Only the best for God

In Ezekiel 1:25-27, the prophet’s vision was on what was above the expanse bore by the four living creatures. He heard a voice coming from there. Above the expanse, he saw a majestic throne of lapis lazuli, a bright blue sapphire-like crystal. It was the throne of God that he saw. Ezekiel then went on to say what he saw on the throne was one with the appearance of a man believed to be Theophany, a manifestation of God in human form. What Ezekiel saw on the throne was so dazzling that defied description. No one ever saw God but only His manifestation. The person that came closest to seeing God was Moses. Even then what he saw was only His aftermath and not God Himself. Exodus 33:20 asserted that no one could see God and remain alive.  

Above the waist of the one he saw on the throne looked like “glowing metal” full of fire. And beneath his waist, Ezekiel saw only fire. Surrounding the throne was a brilliant multi-colored rainbow-like light. What is the significance of the rainbow? When God promised never to destroy the earth again after the great flood, he sealed it with a rainbow. It was a reminder to Noah of the gracious promise of God. Rainbows always  remind us of God and His gracious promise.

The radiance Ezekiel experience was not only awesome but was also beyond description. What he had described in these verses was the glory of God. Anyone who has such an encounter could remain arrogant. As Ezekiel saw the glory of God, he was humbled. So, in verse 28 he said “…When I saw it, I fell facedown….” And as he was facing downward, he “…heard the voice of one speaking.”

What Ezekiel saw in chapter one was the dramatic call of God to his assignment. The sight was not only dazzling but spectacular. It was an awesome privilege to be given a glimpse of God’s throne, His chariot bore by cherubim, dazzling light and fire, and His glory. The calling of God is a high calling. What he saw would forever be a reminder of the awesome God he served. 

Knowing and serving God is a tremendous privilege. We dare not offer to Him anything less than a hundred percent commitment. Anything less would not be a befitting response to the rich overtures of God in our lives. Here is a good reminder:

Give your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.