7/04/19 

Ezekiel 1:28c

²⁸ 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.

This is a description of the pre-incarnate Mediator-Son in His glory.  There are many statements of His appearances to the Old Testament Prophets.  This appearance and that in Isaiah 6 are two of the most awe inspiring.

This glorious word picture gives the reader some idea of the beauty, purity, and power of the Mediator.  We are left with the certain knowledge that this glorious person speaking to Ezekiel is no less than God appearing visibly.

Having said this there are truths we must recognize.

1.       John 1:18  No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has   made him known.

In any visible representation of God it is One who is in the bosom of the Father that is this revelation.  John 1:1-18 is clear who this is.  It is the Son, the Word, God the creator.

2.      Philippians 2:6-7   ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 

This glory which was the ordinary dress of the pre-incarnate Son is what was relinquished for the servant person by which He was known in the days of His flesh. Even this glory which Ezekiel sees is a humbler position than that of His eternal Godhead in all its’s spiritual wonder.  What a great savior.  What a great salvation.