Home Devotion For Today Devotion: Light, Glory, and the Throne of God

Devotion: Light, Glory, and the Throne of God

1052
0
Today in the Word
DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017

Read Ezekiel 1:19-28

Light, Glory, and the Throne of God

A classic hymn declares: “Immortal, invisible, God only wise, / In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, / Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, / Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. . . . Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, / Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; / All praise we would render; O help us to see / ’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!”

Ezekiel’s description of God’s glory in today’s reading is full of light. This vision reassured the shaken and depressed Jewish exiles that God had not abandoned them. Though they were far from the temple, He was still present with them. Israel and Jerusalem had been conquered—but not God, who remained in sovereign control.

In the vision, God’s throne was attended by “living creatures” or angels (vv. 19–21). Their eyes represent divine omniscience, their wheels-within-wheels divine omnipresence. Ezekiel saw above these angels a crystal “vault” (the same word used in Genesis 1), marking a gap between created beings and Creator (vv. 22–24). The phrase “sparkling like crystal” indicates that this space was bright and beautiful.

Ezekiel heard a voice coming from above this “vault,” then saw a figure “like a man” seated on a jeweled throne (vv. 25–26). The One on the throne is described in terms of light and fire—glowing like metal from a blazing furnace and surrounded by radiant light (v. 27). The overall effect was “like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day.” To see God directly was impossible. As impressive as this vision was, it was only “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (v. 28). The reality is beyond description! No wonder Ezekiel fell down in worship.

APPLY THE WORD

God is all-glorious, loving, faithful, righteous, and just. People take refuge in Him, enjoy His abundant blessings, and delight in Him. Make a list of God’s attributes and how you have experienced them in your own life, recording those times you’ve tasted His goodness or felt His faithfulness.

Today in the Word is a production of Moody Global Ministries

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter