“And I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne” (Ezekiel 10:1 ESV).
Ezekiel saw one of the most sobering visions in Scripture. God’s glory was preparing to depart from Solomon’s temple because of Judah’s persistent idolatry and rebellion. Yet the prophet’s description of cherubim, wheels, eyes, and a heavenly throne reminds us of similar visions given to Isaiah (Isa. 6) and John (Rev. 4–5). All three describe something simultaneously familiar and foreign, beautiful and terrifying, recognizable yet incomprehensible.
The German theologian Rudolf Otto coined the expression Mysterium tremendum et fascinans, meaning a mystery that inspires trembling and fascination at the same time. This seems an appropriate description of these heavenly visions. Notice how Ezekiel struggles to describe what he sees. He writes of “something like a sapphire” and “in appearance like a throne.” His words give us enough to recognize something of the vision, but not enough to reduce it to something ordinary. Human language strains to describe divine glory.
Yet the greatest wonder is that this glorious God has made Himself known to us in Jesus Christ! John wrote, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory” (John 1:14). The God whose glory overwhelmed the prophets came near to us in human flesh. Jesus ate meals, slept in boats, touched lepers, welcomed children, and wept at a friend’s grave. Then He died for our sins and rose again, opening the way for us to dwell forever in God’s glorious presence.
The God who is infinitely beyond us has come astonishingly near to us in Jesus Christ!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we tremble before Your holiness and marvel at Your glory. Yet we rejoice that You have revealed Yourself through Your Son. Fill our hearts with reverent awe and grateful love. May we never lose the wonder of knowing You through Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.