“Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the living creatures I had seen by the Kebar River. 16 When the cherubim moved, the wheels beside them moved; and when the cherubim spread their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not leave their side. 17 When the cherubim stood still, they also stood still; and when the cherubim rose, they rose with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in them. 18 Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim. 19 While I watched, the cherubim spread their wings and rose from the ground, and as they went, the wheels went with them. They stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the Lord’s house, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. 20 These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that they were cherubim. 21 Each had four faces and four wings, and under their wings was what looked like human hands. 22 Their faces had the same appearance as those I had seen by the Kebar River. Each one went straight ahead.” Ezekiel 10:15-22 NKJV
Father God,
This chapter when read at one sitting is both mind boggling in its description and frightening in its consequences. Trying to explain the vision of the moving throne of God which he saw earlier in chapter 1. But this time he sees only the bottom part and this time as it leaves the Temple the glory of the Lord leaves with it.
To be exiled, to be in servitude to a foreign nation – but for You, God to visibly remove Your presence from among them. Was Ezekiel shocked, dumbfounded, afraid or was he not surprised knowing how offended You were with Your rebellious, faithless people?
We understand that You do not leave pockets of space where YOu are not present we need to get our heads round Your omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-12. But You do remove Your protection and blessing as You did with Zedekiah and Judah. Why did they remain so stubborn?
Imagine if You, God removed Your presence and blessings from Your people today? Do we take You for granted? Are we compartmentalising faith to fit into our lives? Is there any part of our worship which is becoming ritual and not relational? And rather than judging others I ask this of myself first Lord.
Help me and Your church appreciate absolutely who You are. Keep You as our God (Exodus 20:3). Jesus as our cornerstone (Matthew 21:42) and Your Spirit as our teacher (John 14:26). So Your glory can remain in us, with us and for us. Do we really appreciate all we have with You Lord God.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 4th August 2026
Jesus is the name we honour;
Jesus is the name we praise.
Majestic name above all other names;
the highest heaven and earth proclaim
that Jesus is our God.
We will glorify, we will lift him high,
we will give him honour and praise.
We will glorify, we will lift him high,
we will give him honour and praise.
Jesus is the name we worship;
Jesus is the name we trust.
He is the King above all other kings;
let all creation stand and sing
that Jesus is our God.
Chorus
Jesus is the Father’s splendour;
Jesus is the Father’s joy.
He will return to reign in majesty
and every eye at last shall see
that Jesus is our God.
Chorus
Lyrics: Phil Lawson Johnston