On Our Face

The book of Ezekiel has been rocking me lately. As I shared last week about the impossible mission he was given, I find many lessons that we can learn. It is also encouraging to note that he went through many of the emotional roller-coasters that we go through today. This post however is about a moment he had in the presence of the Lord. In the first chapter, verses 26-28, we see this encounter. I hope it challenges you as much as it did me. It says, "Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I (Ezekiel) saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking."

First things first, God sits on a throne. This is a throne of glory, a throne of grace, a throne of triumph, a throne of government, and a throne of judgment. He is King, Holy, and Sovereign! He reigns over all. All while sitting. God is not standing, pacing, or worrying about the mistakes going on in mankind. He is sitting, in charge, reigning with His feet up on the ottoman (Hebrews 1:13). In this picture from Ezekiel, the Lord is surrounded by a rainbow, which is the symbol of His covenant, representing God's mercy and love to His people. We need to stop thinking that God is upset at us. He is a good God, a loving God, and deeply cares about you. His mercy and grace covers you at all times. There is nothing you can do that can separate that (Romans 8)! Maybe you need to just dwell on that this morning...

But what I want to focus on today is this...What Ezekiel the prophet of God saw was only to prepare him for what he was to hear! It was only when he fell on his face that he heard the voice of God. God delights in teaching those who humble themselves before Him. When was the last time you fell on your face in worship? In praise? In prayer? Or in love over the simple fact that He shed His blood for you?