Look Up and See the Glory (Sep 21)

Ezekiel 1:28

Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.

I'm sure you've all seen a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. I mean a really dark, cloudy, and rainy day. The sky is so dark gray that it is hard to see. Then, as the sun peeks out from the other direction, a rainbow appears—so brilliant and colorful against the still-dark gray clouds. If you've ever seen one with such a strong contrast, then you know what I'm talking about. You can't miss it. That rainbow is bright, stands out, and almost seems to burst with joy against the clouds of yucky weather.

Ezekiel saw a storm coming—a great whirlwind with a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself. If you can even imagine such a thing, you might see that the storm would be frightening. Yet, Ezekiel lookup up and saw these glorious creatures bowing before God. He looked further up and saw a glorious throne of God. Above that was the glorious appearance of the Lord. Scripture likens it to this brilliant rainbow set against the dark clouds of a storm. Wow, what glory!

I know that we recently discussed the story about Ezekiel seeing this glorious vision and how God had a message for him through the midst of the storm, but today I want to talk about seeing the glory of God. I want to see the glory of God! I have seen that God is powerful and He delivers His people from the hand of the enemy and He is a great God! His glory is great! I have seen a glimpse of His glory and I want to bring this to you today so that you also may look up and see the glory!

Maybe you see a lot of storms in your life, but it's in the midst of that storm that you can look up and see that brilliant rainbow set in the clouds on a rainy day! You think, “What good can come from a difficult time?” but be patient and know that God is faithful. Look up and see the glory!

If you've seen a rainbow and you thought it was so beautiful that you stared at it for a long time, you know that eventually, they fade away and all you see is the clouds again. Now, I know that not all analogies work perfectly and God's glory certainly doesn't fade away over time, but let me make this point: If you take your eyes off of His glory and let your focus and attention be back on the storms and the dark clouds, that rainbow just fades away and all you see is the darkness. Don't turn aside from the glory of God! Hold His promises and keep them; don't let them fade away to the stormy skies. So, whatever is going on right now, don't focus on it. Look up and see the glory of God.

Acts 7:54-56

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

We may only see a glimpse of His glory while still on this earth, but when we see that glory, we should fall on our faces before God, as unworthy yet submitted followers. Turn from your sin and trust in Him. Be obedient to what He calls you to do. There is a purpose for all things and God calls you to Himself. Listen. Then God will be glorified through your life as well and people will see that and notice.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Peter 4:10-11

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.