“Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne. He said to the man clothed in linen, ‘Go in among the whirling wheels underneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city.’
“And he went in before my eyes. Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the house… and a cloud filled the inner court. And the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the Lord. And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks...
“Then the glory of the Lord went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the Lord, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.” Ezekiel 10:1-5,18-19
The prophet was locked into his heavenly call and intent on obedience. With everything going on about him, he looked, and that’s when he saw the supernatural visions God would reveal. It took will and focus, and the Lord who directed also delivered. (Ezekiel 9:4-11)
Our eyes are a miraculous creation in God’s design, opening us to the visual world and its myriad of colors, shapes, textures, dimension, movement, and innuendo. When we look carefully, we take in layers of information and meaning, often beholding exquisite beauties and alluring enticements that take our breath away. For those who can see, it’s hard to imagine life without this sense. For Christ’s adopted child, sight is enhanced by the Holy Spirit of God who alerts, teaches, and inspires.
The enemy would have us look at anything and anyone but Jesus and His work. He’d have us look into anything but His word. In order to understand what’s occurring today in God’s world our eyes must rise from distraction, turn from lesser things, and take on His vision. Are we aware how His glory has been lifted from peoples and institutions and much of the church? Do we see His heavenly glory in the providential mercies and divine judgments in the midst of cultural and worldwide bedlam? (2 Kings 6:15-17; Psalm 119:18)
And then I looked… where? At my phone? My inbox? Headlines? Needed maintenance, pile of work, enticing posts? What’s occupying my visual attention? Does the frenzy of circumstances cause me to look askance at my Lord? What will I determine to behold this day? What fray of distractions will I shut off or put down so I can see my Lord and His eternal work and glory clearly? In a world of flux, recognizing God and His activity secures us in hope. (Matthew 17:8; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 12:2)
“Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside.” Mary D. James (1810-1883)
Lord, keep me intent on You and what You’re doing in the world so I think and pray and live and praise You aright.
As the rain and snow 