The Glory And Majesty Of God

And above the expanse over their heads there was tthe 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.
Eze 1:26–28 ESV

Observations:
1. The throne projects God's sovereign rule over all things and all people. This vision is given to Ezekiel in Babylon and reveals God's authority and power everywhere on earth (and in the heavens), not just in Israel.
2. One wonders if the likeness of a human appearance suggests a pre-incarnate "appearance" of Christ. As Exodus 33:20 suggests God cannot be seen and live, Christ may be the form of God viewable in this case as he is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15) and the radiance of God's glory (Heb 1:3) and in him the fullness of the deity dwells in bodily form (Col 2:9).
3. The rainbow is seen in Revelation chapter 4 as well. Is this a reminder of the promises and faithfulness of God?
4. Most importantly this vision reveals that God is completely "Other", set apart, powerful. He is to be worshiped and held in awe. He is to be feared and loved. He is to be honored above all things because he is uncreated and above all things.

Grocery Store Worship

It is incomprehensible that people, including myself, can walk through the produce section of the local grocery store and not consider the existence, goodness and magnificence of God. I was there today again. Frequently, I run through that area grabbing apples, lettuce and tomatoes...hurrying on to the next section, hoping to get home as soon as possible. But occasionally, I stand in amazement looking at what God has raised from dirt, water and sun. All for us to enjoy and for our nourishment. Consider the orange. From a seed a tree grows. The tree uses the soil to create a brilliant orange ball protected by a thick skin. Inside is a fantastic fruit good for eating or for drinking, it's extracted juice. It is sweet and delicious, hanging ready from a branch for one to pick. Out of nothing. By coincidence....by a conglomeration of random occurrences? I think not. Almighty God has made these things! In his power, glory and goodness they are piled in aisles at the local ACME for us. Let us gaze in wonder and consider the greatness and goodness of God...even at the local market.

Annie's Song

John Denver wrote Annie's Song to his wife I believe. It's a beautiful song. I was thinking yesterday that it is a great song to be sung to God.

You fill up my senses
Like a night in the forest
Like the mountains in springtime,
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert,
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses,
Come fill me again.

Come let me love you,
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter,
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you,
Let me always be with you
Come let me love you,
Come love me again.