The Burning Presence of God

 "The Burning Presence of God: Ezekiel’s Vision and the Glory of the Living Creatures"

Text: Ezekiel 1:4–14
Cross References: Isaiah 6:1–6; Revelation 4:1–11

Brothers and sisters, today we step into the realm of heavenly mystery, into a passage that challenges our imagination and humbles our understanding. In Ezekiel 1:4–14, we witness the unveiling of God’s throne chariot, carried by strange and awe-inspiring beings: four living creatures with faces of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle—creatures aflame with fire, full of eyes, and in ceaseless motion.

These are not beings of fantasy but symbols of divine truth, intended to shake us from spiritual lethargy and draw us into the majesty of God’s glory. Let us consider how Ezekiel's vision echoes that of Isaiah in the temple and John in the Revelation. Then we will explore who these cherubim are, what they do, and why they still matter for us today.

The Vision in Ezekiel 1:4–14

Ezekiel is among the exiles in Babylon, far from the temple, far from home. And yet, even in a foreign land, the heavens open, and he sees visions of God. He describes a storm wind coming from the north—lightning, fire, gleaming metal, and four living creatures.

Each has four faces and four wings, with legs like burnished bronze and eyes all around. They move straight ahead, without turning, guided not by instinct but by the Spirit (v. 12). Fire moves among them, and lightning flashes forth. These creatures are ablaze, reflecting the power and holiness of the God they serve.

Similarities with Isaiah 6:1–6 and Revelation 4:1–11

Ezekiel’s vision is not unique. Consider the similarities:

• Isaiah 6:1–6: The prophet Isaiah sees the Lord “high and lifted up,” with seraphim above Him, each with six wings, crying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.” The smoke, the shaking foundations, and Isaiah’s own unworthiness mirror Ezekiel’s awe and dread.

• Revelation 4:1–11: John is caught up into heaven, where he sees a throne surrounded by four living creatures—each resembling a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle—just like in Ezekiel. They are full of eyes and offer unceasing worship, crying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”

In all three visions:

• God’s glory is overwhelming.

• The heavenly beings are both beautiful and terrifying.

• Worship is central—unceasing, fiery, reverent.

• The creatures are both symbols and servants of divine holiness.

What these visions tell us is this: Heaven is not silent. It is ablaze with praise. And God is not static. He is enthroned, yes, but also moving, active, and present—even in exile.

Who Are the Cherubim?

The creatures in Ezekiel 1 are later identified in Ezekiel 10:15 as cherubim. These are not chubby baby angels from Renaissance art. In Scripture, they are powerful spiritual beings closely associated with the presence and holiness of God.

Biblical Roles of Cherubim:

1. Guardians of God's Holiness

   • Genesis 3:24: After the fall, God places cherubim with flaming swords to guard the way to the Tree of Life.

   • They stand between sinful humanity and God's holy presence.

2. Bearers of the Divine Throne

   • Psalm 18:10: “He mounted the cherubim and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.”

   • 2 Samuel 22:11: Similarly portrays God riding on cherubim.

   • Ezekiel 1 and 10 show them carrying the chariot-throne of God, moving as the Spirit moves.

3. Symbols of Worship and Glory

   • Exodus 25:18–22: Two golden cherubim are placed over the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant. God promises to speak to Israel from between them.

   • Their presence signifies that wherever God is enthroned, worship, awe, and holiness must abound.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

These visions of fire, wheels, and creatures may seem distant from our daily lives—but they reveal something essential:

1. God’s Glory is Not Contained
   Ezekiel saw God not in Jerusalem, but in exile. God is not limited by location. His throne is mobile. His Spirit goes wherever He wills. Even in the darkest places, God reveals Himself.

2. Holiness Demands a Response
   Isaiah said, “Woe is me.” Ezekiel fell on his face. John fell as though dead. These heavenly visions drive us to humility. Worship is not entertainment—it is reverent surrender to a holy God.

3. Heaven Is Alive with Worship
   The living creatures do not rest from their praise. Their very being is oriented around glorifying God. What if our lives reflected even a fraction of that devotion?

4. We Are Invited Into That Worship
   Through Christ, the veil has been torn. We are not kept at a distance like Adam and Eve. We are called to “draw near with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16), not because we are worthy, but because Christ is.

Ezekiel saw a storm, a fire, and strange creatures—but above it all, he saw a vision of God’s holiness, carried forth by living beings aflame with divine purpose. These cherubim remind us that God’s presence is not tame. It burns. It moves. It transforms.

So let us join with the living creatures, the seraphim, and the saints around the throne. Let us fall on our faces in awe, and rise up in service, knowing that the God who rides the cherubim is still moving in the world—and in us.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8)
Amen.

More: Lesson 7 Foundations for Prophecy