If anyone ever tells you they are certain about everything in the book of Ezekiel, don’t believe them. This chapter and initial vision of God seen by Ezekiel is an incredible view. It almost defies description. In fact, it does. It is as if Ezekiel was trying to somehow communicate with the limitation of words exactly what he saw.
But even though we might not understand or comprehend everything in this vision does not mean we can lose sight of the big picture of what was happening. Ezekiel got a glimpse of God in his glory, which would explain why it is such a mysterious vision. Reading over the vision slowly, one can gain the sense of immensity, hugeness, grandeur, and awesome glory. The Hebrew word “glory” literally means “heavy.” In other words, God is so large, bright, and holy that he carries a great deal of weight. As we used to say back in the ‘70’s: “Heavy, man, heavy!”
This was much more than just a neat experience for Ezekiel. It completely had him undone. Ezekiel fell on his face because that is about all one can do when encountering such an incredible appearance. Sneaking a peek of God in his glorious splendor is an awesome sight. So, when God speaks from the place of his glory, there is nothing to do but listen and obey.
Meeting God, this same God whom Ezekiel encountered, is no small thing. When we truly catch a glimpse of this holy God, it will forever change us – and this is a good thing. If we want to hear the call of God upon our lives we need to see God’s glory, otherwise we can too quickly forget him and neglect doing what he says. May the Lord be gracious in allowing you a glance into his throne room – and may you never be the same again because of it.
Glorious God, you carry such great weight that all creation bows to your every word and each move. I bow before you, and I will stand up so that I might hear what you have to say to me. Speak, Lord, for I am listening to you. Amen.
Rev. Tim Ehrhardt 