7/10/26

I saw what appeared to be clouds reaching the ground. As I rode in that direction, I realized they did not move east or west. They didn't drift to the north or the south. All they did was rise further in the sky. As I camped that night on the wide open plain. I could see as the sun set, that they were mountains and not clouds. As I rode the next day they continued to rise bigger and bigger. They just continued to grow in my sight. I imagined camping in those mountains tonight. As the sun set again I still had not reached them. Two more nights I camped feeling assured I would reach them the next day. On the fifth night, I wondered would I ever reach these mountains or are they like a rainbow in the sky. Something man can follow and never find the end.

This is a description of a pioneer seeing the Rocky Mountains for the first time. A very good description that became clearer as he got closer each day.

Ezekiel was given a vision of God and his description is so lacking and yet so clear in describing the Lord.

Ezekiel 1:27-28 NASB95 Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.

He was in the form or shape of man having a body yet without flesh. Describing the preincarnate only begotten Son of the self-existent God. Who would in the fullness of time clothe Himself in flesh for the salvation of man. His upper half appeared as glowing metal and fire within. If you have ever looked into a casting furnace filled with orange, and bright yellows and fire popping up as it boils, you notice the glow that is almost blinding. It at times can be so intense that you feel as if you need to look away. Ezekiel describes God's glory in this manner.

He continues with God's lower half of the human shape or form. He says, "I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him." The Glory of God is so bright that it radiates like heat from the flames of a fire. There are times when you get so close to a fire that your eyes profusely water. This is a protective reaction to the intensity of the heat. Ezekiel is describing what God said about Himself in Exodus 33:20 NASB95 But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!”

God's infinite Glory is so extreme that man would die if he in his iniquity, were to look upon the unfiltered Glory of God. If man looks directly at the sun with unfiltered light He would have instant central blindness.

Ezekiel says, As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance.

The Glory was so brilliant that you desired to look at its beauty similar to a rainbow in the clouds. You also desired to go to it but much like the pioneer you felt as if you would never arrive. It is said you can see the Rocky Mountains up to 135 miles away. Keep traveling and you will reach them. Usually at the base camp the view is not as spectacular. Travel to what appears to be the end of a rainbow and the rainbow is gone. However, the radiance of God never diminishes nor fades.

Ezekiel says, "Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking."

Many men in scripture attempted to worship angels, who quickly said Stop. Their glory while magnificent is only a reflection of God.

Ezekiel shows us that at the true glory of God, he struggled to explain the radiance. He had no choice but to fall on his face and worship as God spoke to Him.

I feel God was pleased with his reverence. Psalm 19:1 NASB95 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Ezekiel stood in his vision in the throne room of God and what he saw brought him to his knees in worship.

For Ezekiel it was clear that God is radiant beyond description.

This is my God. If He is yours then you must be thinking as I am. Oh Lord, I am anxious to fall on my face at your feet and cry in my shame, cry in my desire, cry in my amazement, cry in your love, cry in your forgiveness, cry in your righteousness, holiness, grace and mercy, and cry in joy, peace, and thankfulness. While you speak Lord, and reach down to pick up this undeserving being. You will wipe away my tears and call me son.

What a picture Ezekiel sees. Are you ready to see Him?

Love Bro. Scott