Rebellion and Restoration: The Four Faces of God

Israel’s sin and rebellion against God brought defeat and destruction to their land. Jerusalem was destroyed and hundreds of surviving Jews were carried off to Babylon as slaves. The prophet and priest Ezekiel was among those captives. Ezekiel was given visions of the glory and holiness of God. For 27 years he prophesied hope and restoration to Israel. Whatever trials and tribulation you may be facing today, God has hope and restoration for you.

One of the most glorious visions that Ezekiel had was the vision of four glorious creatures. (Ezekiel 1) From the center of a bright, burning cloud they came. Their appearance was the likeness of a man and each of the four creatures had four wings. They moved in unison, “wither the spirit was to go they went and they turned not when they went” (Ezekiel 1:12). These living creatures were angelic beings. John also saw them in heaven. (Revelation 4:7) There was something most unusual concerning their faces. Each of the four “had the face of a man, the face of a lion . . . the face of an ox, and the face of an eagle” (Ezekiel 1:10).

Is there significance to these four faced angelic beings? Some believe that their faces represent God’s living creation that will someday be redeemed from the curse of sin and manifest God’s glory. I believe these living angelic beings represent the four-fold glory of Christ. In the Old Testament the tabernacle where God’s glory resided was a copy of the heavenly tabernacle. Every article was a picture of the glory of the coming Christ. All the glories of heaven speak of Christ. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 1:8-10) Just as the splendor of a beautiful cut diamond is revealed by its many facets, so the glories of Christ have many facets. Consider Ezekiel’s vision of these four faced creatures and how they display four faces of Christ as revealed in the Word of God.

First – THE FACE OF A MAN. Jesus referred to himself most often as the Son of man. Paul referred to Christ as the second Adam. Jesus, the Eternal Word, took upon himself human flesh when he was born of Mary. (Philippians 2) The Son of man was tempted in every way that you and I are, yet he was without sin. He knows how to strengthen and help us in our afflictions. (Hebrews 2:18) Only as the Son of man could he die on the cross for our sins.

Second – THE FACE OF A LION. The lion is the king of all beasts. Jesus was born as the lion of Judah. His natural lineage was from King David. But His eternal lineage is the great I AM – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. John, the apostle, saw the vision of Christ as the lion and the lamb. (Revelation 5:5-6) One day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:8-11) Have you confessed Christ as your Lord and King?

Third – THE FACE OF AN OX. An ox is a strong servile beast. Jesus came as a servant. He said that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) No one ever had the strength of character and humility that Jesus had. Christ has the strength and love to help you in every need.

Fourth – THE FACE OF AN EAGLE. An eagle is the king of flight. It is a symbol of majesty and glory. Christ rules in majesty over heaven and earth. All heaven worships Him. There is the promise of strength and victory for those who will wait upon Him and acknowledge how awesome and holy He is. (Isaiah 40:25-31; Revelation 19:11-16)

When, Like Ezekiel, you behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, you will be set free, restored, and transformed from glory to glory. (II Corinthians 3:17-18) I pray that the Spirit of God will enable you to behold His glory in a fresh and living way.