Theophany (65–66): Ezekiel's Vision: the Glory of God & his Call as “Son of Man”

Text: Ezekiel 1:26–28; 2:1–7

The Vision Reaches Its Height

The vision that began with storm, fire, and living creatures now rises to its climax.

Ezekiel sees what words can barely contain:

“Above the firmament… was the likeness of a throne… and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.” (Ezekiel 1:26)

What began as mystery now becomes revelation.

At the center of everything—above the wheels, above the creatures, above the expanse—is a throne.

And on the throne… a figure.

The Likeness of the Glory of the Lord

Ezekiel struggles to describe what he sees. He uses phrases like:

• “likeness”

• “appearance”

• “as it were”

Because the glory of God stretches human language to its breaking point.

“This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 1:28)

Fire radiates. Light surrounds. A rainbow encircles the scene.

This is not merely a vision of power—it is a revelation of glory.

And throughout Scripture, glory is never abstract. It is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

A Glimpse of Christ

What Ezekiel sees is not fully explained in his own time.

But later Scripture helps us see more clearly.

The figure on the throne—the one with human likeness, radiant with divine glory—points us forward to Jesus Christ.

“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

“The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.” (Hebrews 1:3)

Ezekiel sees the glory. In Christ, that glory takes on flesh.

The throne is not empty. It is occupied.

The Only Right Response

When Ezekiel sees this vision, he does not analyze it.

He falls.

“When I saw it, I fell upon my face…” (Ezekiel 1:28)

This is the consistent response to theophany:

• Abraham falls

• Moses hides his face

• Isaiah cries, “Woe is me!”

• John falls as though dead

  
  

When God reveals Himself, human strength gives way to holy awe.

Then Comes the Voice

But the vision does not end with glory.

It moves to calling.

“And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.” (Ezekiel 2:1)

The God who reveals His glory is the God who speaks.

And when He speaks, He calls.

“Son of Man” — A Name of Humility

Ezekiel is called “son of man”—a reminder of his humanity.

Dust. Frailty. Dependence.

And yet this same title will later be used by Jesus Christ:

• The humble servant

• The suffering Savior

• The exalted Judge

  
  

Ezekiel bears the name as a reminder of weakness. Christ bears it as a declaration of mission.

A Hard Commission

God does not send Ezekiel to an easy field.

“I send thee to a rebellious nation… a stiffhearted people.” (Ezekiel 2:3–4)

This is not a call to success—it is a call to faithfulness.

“Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear… yet shall they know that there hath been a prophet among them.” (Ezekiel 2:5)

The responsibility is not the outcome.

The responsibility is obedience.

Do Not Be Afraid

Three times, God tells Ezekiel not to fear:

• Not their words

• Not their looks

• Not their resistance

Because when God sends, He also sustains.

The presence revealed in chapter 1 becomes the strength for chapter 2.

From Vision to Mission

This is the pattern of every true encounter with God:

1. Revelation — we see His glory

2. Humility — we fall before Him

3. Commission — we are sent by Him

The vision is not the end.

It is the beginning.

For Us Today

We may not see wheels of fire or a throne of radiant glory—but we have something even clearer:

The revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

And the pattern remains the same:

• We behold Him in His Word

• We bow in worship

• We rise in obedience

The question is not whether God is still calling.

The question is whether we are listening.

Closing Prayer

Lord God, You are high and lifted up, yet You speak to those who fall before You.

Open our eyes to see Your glory in Christ.

Humble our hearts in Your presence. And give us courage to go where You send us, whether the world listens or turns away.

Make us faithful. Make us obedient. Make us Yours.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How Can We Pray for You?

As Ezekiel fell before the glory of God and then rose to answer His call, we are reminded that we do not walk this journey alone.

We would be honored to pray for you.

If something in this study has stirred your heart—

a burden, a question, a calling, or a need—

please share it in the comments section below.

You are also encouraged to share your thoughts, insights, or what stood out to you in this passage.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

May God bless you—and may He use all of us to strengthen one another in faith, truth, and love.

*********************

Written By Oswald J. Smith

I have walked alone with Jesus

In a fellowship divine.

Nevermore can earth allure me,

I am His and He is mine.

Refrain:

Oh, the glory of His presence,

Oh, the beauty of His face,

I am His and His forever,

He has saved me by His grace.

On the mountain, I have seen Him,

Christ my Comforter and Friend

And the glory of His presence

Will be with me to the end.

I have seen Him, I have known Him,

And He deigns to walk with me;

And the glory of His presence will

be mine eternally.