Ezekiel: Watchman. I have already learned so much from this priest/prophet! His message to the people changed, as the time on heaven's eternal clock changed. What began with judgment and doom turned into hope and salvation. Something interesting I thought about when reading about this generation of Israel....Though the people feel the consequences of their forefathers' sin, they are not forsaken! They can choose life! And another thing, how much more should we be watchmen even now?? Shouldn't we share the gospel with everyone we come in contact with? Does it mean that they will listen? Not always. But, our instruction doesn't change: Share the truth with those around you, eternity awaits.
So, God's glory departs the temple. Look at the amazing detail Ezekiel gives on what this looks like! It's so neat to me how God gives such detail on some things in His word, and yet some things are not revealed. Still, even with all these descriptions it's so hard to imagine what the presence of God really looked like to Ezekiel in this experience. I wondered what others thought it looked like, and took the liberty of sharing a few pictures.... Does it look like this? ...or this?? ...or this??? It's impossible to describe with our limited abilities and capabilities, I imagine Ezekiel knew this better than anyone.
Cherubim are angels. Got it. But, I've been told all my life that cherubs are cute little chubby looking babies with wings. You, too? Check out chapter 10! These cherubim are described as having wings and hands that can handle fire, being full of eyes all over their bodies and even on the "wheels" that they ride on??? ....I thought they flew? Maybe they flutter?? They have four faces looking in different directions. Each face was different, one was the face of a cherub, one of a man, one an eagle, and one a lion! How's THAT for a lapel pin on your Sunday suit, or a cute painting on the wall?? I remember studying Revelation with Beth Moore last year. It is fairly agreed among scholars that the four beasts role was to bear up the movable throne of God. If God goes somewhere, His throne goes with Him!!! When He went to the mountain top, the throne went with Him! He is always on the throne, what comfort there is in that thought!
Ezekiel is a strong warning to all of us, that God will not "forever wink" at our sin. Oh, He is merciful and longsuffering, but He hates evil. It cannot exist in His presence, and He will not allow His people to continue in their sin. He wants a relationship with us. Do not mistake his patience for forgetfulness, sister.
"I" love you.
