Started in on Ezekiel this morning. I find the imagery kind of challenging . . . maybe because I don’t have a very good imagination . . . not able to translate the words into a good picture in my mind. But this I kind of get out of these first three chapters . . . before the word of the LORD is given to Ezekiel the glory of the LORD is revealed to him. It seems there’s something about getting a glimpse of God’s glory that readies the heart for His word. The other thing that kind of caught my attention was the relationship between the glory, the ground, and the Spirit.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking. And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet . . .   (Ezekiel 1:28b-22a ESV)

So I arose and went out into the valley, and behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, like the glory that I had seen by the Chebar canal, and I fell on my face. But the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet . . .   (Ezekiel 3:23-24a ESV)

Twice in these opening chapters, Ezekiel is given eyes to see the glory of God. God who is seated above the throne . . . a throne which is above the earth . . . a throne which is accompanied by four magnificent living creatures. And while the form Ezekiel saw had the likeness of human appearance, it was enveloped in a brightness that Ezekiel could only describe as some kaleidoscope combination of gleaming metal, burning fire and a shining rainbow (1:26-28a).

And both times that Ezekiel is permitted this glimpse at the glory, the response is the same. BAM!!! Facedown!!! Behold the glory . . . welcome the ground. It seems that when the radiating holy character of God is encountered, the only appropriate physical response is to fall at His feet. It’s facedown in humility at the realization that God is God and nothing less . . . and that man is man and nothing more. It’s facedown in awe as the senses are overwhelmed amidst the exuding presence of the Eternal Sovereign. It’s facedown in wonder as the creation tries to fathom the manner of grace shown by the Creator in that He would desire to dwell among His creation . . . to rub shoulders, as it were, with them. And it’s facedown in worship . . . such an encounter with such a God must result in worship. Yup . . . encounter the glory . . . visit the ground.

And here’s the other thing I noticed. In both instances the Spirit enters Ezekiel and sets him back on his feet. Hmmm . . . the same Spirit who indwells me. And I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t some “Ezekiel transcending” principle here.

While being facedown is so appropriate for humbling oneself . . . for expressing awe . . . for offering worship . . . it’s really not the best posture for relationship . . . for fellowship . . . for one-on-one communication. And so, in order for God to commune with Ezekiel in a manner which conveys the mind of God to the mouth of the prophet, He has the Spirit set Ezekiel on His feet. And I’m thinking it’s kind of like that with us as believers as well.

Jesus said that He would ask the Father to give His disciples “another Helper” . . . the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) . . . He who would teach them all things (John 14:26) . . . He who would bear witness of Christ (15:26) . . . He who would guide them into all truth (John 16:13) . . . He who would declare the very words of God into their souls (John 16:14-15). The Spirit would stand them up . . . and enable them to receive the very words of God.

O’ that I might slow down enough to encounter the glory . . . that I might be open enough to find the ground in worship-filled response . . . and that I might be set on my feet by His Spirit and willingly receive the word of God.

By His grace . . . for His glory . . .