“And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
“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… the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said, ‘Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels… impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house…’
“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.'” Ezekiel 1:26-2:3a,4-7;3:4
Over and beyond us is a throne, radiant in colorful splendor and inexplicable brightness, that is above any other and cannot be shaken. There is nothing like seeing God in his indescribable glory to undo us and put us in our place. We fall silent before His voice, empty of self exertion before His Spirit’s fullness and power, helpless before His help. Once we are in that place and position of humility, wonder, reverent fear and awe, He has our ear, makes us to stand, and penetrates our will. (Isaiah 6:1-5; Daniel 4:3; Ephesians 1:19-21)
God does not promise that the tasks He assigns and the paths He sets before us are easy, but they are good if they are His. Terrifying or challenging as they may be, we are responsible to listen and obey, and He is responsible for the outcome. When we feel our efforts or hard obedience are fruitless, we must remember we are following His call, no matter the results. (3:14-23)
When am I still enough, with eyes wide open, to be hushed before God’s ineffable glory? When was the last time He undid me? Do I even stay long enough for Him to captivate and move my will? When He issues a call that is bold and clear, do I rise, take hold of His power, and obey?
Lord, have sway over all of me, so I obey fully for all of You.
As the rain and snow 