“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.’ As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.” (Ezekiel 1:28-2:2, New International Version)

Ezekiel fell facedown when he saw the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. The likeness of the glory of the Lord left him flat on the ground! Physically humbled by the presence of Perfection and prostrate before this dazzling display, Ezekiel heard the voice of the Lord and was lifted to his feet by the Spirit to receive a divine assignment. The Lord had not forgotten or abandoned his people; he would send Ezekiel as a prophet to the rebellious house of Israel.

Has the nearness of your Savior overwhelmed you with wonder?

Has the victorious voice of God Almighty brought you to your knees?

Has the Holy Spirit held you when your willpower waned and your strength subsided?

Imagine for a moment an indisputable encounter you have had with the Lord; a time when you were undeniably captivated, called, or carried. Perhaps the closeness of your Creator is evident to you even now, as you recognize Him providing breath for your lungs and blood for your veins. Or maybe your weary heart misses its Maker and aches to receive long-awaited answers to prayer.

Wherever you find yourself today, please hear this: you are loved, you are purposed, you are not alone. Through Jesus Christ you have been given the Holy Spirit and imparted unlimited access to the holy throne room of your Heavenly Father.

The transcendent experience Ezekiel describes is available to you because Jesus himself is with you, and “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:3, NIV)

Does your heart burn within you when you read these precious words? Ezekiel saw only the likeness of the glory of the Lord and fell facedown. You, sweet sister, can behold not only the likeness, but the actual glory of God in Jesus Christ! The magnitude of this good news draws angels and elders alike to their knees in worship and wonder in heavenly places:

“All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:

‘Amen!

Praise and glory

and wisdom and thanks and honor

and power and strength

be to our God for ever and ever.

Amen!’” (Revelation 7:11-12, NIV)

How breathtaking is this scene? Envision being united with “every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9, NIV)

Let wonder fill your soul and worship pour forth from your lips as you picture this eternal chorus of praise filling the atmosphere. Lift your beautiful eyes to see beyond what is visible, and gaze into the face of your Savior. His name is Jesus, and out of his fullness you have received grace in place of grace already given. (John 1:16, NIV) Your God will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV) In fact, He is with you now - even as you read these words.

Let Jesus captivate you. Listen for the voice of your Good Shepherd calling out to you. Lean heavily on the shoulder of your Savior as He carries you. Fall facedown in wonder and worship, sister. The Spirit will raise you to your feet just in time for your next divine assignment.

Falling Facedown