Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True... Rev. 19:11
“Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Cherbar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God... Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of man. Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves' feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings. Their wings touched one another.
The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies. And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning. And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.
Now as I looked at the living creatures, behold, a wheel was on the earth beside each living creature with its four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their workings was like the color of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. The appearance of their workings was, as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel. When they moved, they went toward any one of the four directions; they did not turn aside when they went. As for their rims, they were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them. When the living creatures went, the wheels were lifted up. Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, because there the spirit went; and the wheels were lifted together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When those went, these went; and those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads. And under the firmament their wings spread out straight, one toward another. Each one had two which covered one side, and each one had two which covered the other side of the body. When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings.
A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings. And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. Like the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 1:1-28)
I just looked at my clock and it read 3:33.
The first time cherubim are mentioned is in Genesis 3:24. Man originally lived in the glory of God. Adam and Eve dwelt with God, walking and talking with Him in the garden. They were naked and not ashamed. When man sinned and ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God covered them with skin and cast them out if the garden where the fullness of His glory dwelt. The door giving us direct access to his glory was shut. It was the cherubim who stood at the east of the garden of Eden, with a flaming sword, guarding the way to the tree of life and keeping man out (Gen. 3:24).
Cherubim were mentioned again when God determined to have a resting place among his people. He gave Moses the pattern of the tabernacle and all its furnishings which included making cherubims of gold to cover the place where His presence dwelt.
He told Moses in Exodus 25:18-20, “And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.”
It was under the wings of the Cherubim that the glory of God resided. 2 Chronicles 5:7-8, “And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims: For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.” [a]
Cherubims are associated with God's glory throughout the Bible (see 2 Sam. 6:2, 2 Kings 19:15, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 99:1) and are referred to as “cherubims of glory” in Hebrews 9:5.
And it is in this place of glory that man has access to walk and talk with God as we did in the garden(John 14:6). Numbers 7:89 says says about the Holy of Holies, “And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.”
However, only the High Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies and only once a year on the day of atonement. One article notes, “Whoever entered into the Holy of Holies was entering the very presence of God. In fact, anyone except the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies would die. Even the high priest, God’s chosen mediator with His people, could only pass through the veil and enter this sacred dwelling once a year, on a prescribed day called the Day of Atonement.” [1]
David in Psalm 24:3-4 cried out, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully”
In our own righteousness this is hopeless. David, seeing this, goes on to pray in Psalm 24:7-10, “Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.”
When Jesus came, he opened the door, making the way for us to have access to the Holy of Holies, into the very presence of God by His blood. It is through His righteousness that we can commune with God.
Hebrews 10:19 22 says, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and let our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Not only was He faithful in opening the way, giving us access to the Father, He is faithful in the fulfillment of all His promises. He will open up the heavens and come again to rule and reign.
“He is faithful to His word...Behold He is coming with clouds, with eyes like the flame of fire of burning desire. His reward is with Him and out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to judge to nations” sings.
Revelation 19:11-16 says, “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
“In hope we say, come, come, come. Lord Jesus come” sings.
When the heavens are opened and the glory of the Lord is poured out upon the people, the word of the Lord and revelation of Him– walking and talking with God – become freely accessible to all (see Acts 2). Peter notes about the outpouring in Acts, “this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Joel 2:28 says, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
One article notes about this verse in Joel, "But though the apostles recognized a fulfillment of this prophecy {Joel 2:28-9} on the day of Pentecost, there will be a larger fulfillment in the last days. What happened at Pentecost was the former rain; that which is due now is the latter rain. The prophecy of Joel is of wider application than the experience at Pentecost. In the days of the early apostles God took some of the great reservoir of power and poured this out in mighty measure on that never-to-be-forgotten day. But the great remainder God reserves until the last days. Then the latter rain will fall, and in copious, abundant showers, in the finishing of the work of God. Observe the following from the Spirit of prophecy:" '"The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost...The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening'"--The Great Controversy p.611 (Quote from The Bible, The Spirit of Prophecy, and The Church by W.E. Read, p.81 1952 Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C.)” [2]
In contrast, when the glory of the Lord has been far from the people and the heaven's have been shut, men did not hear from God. In 1 Samuel 3:1, during the times that Eli and his sons ministered before the Lord it says, “And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” The ark of God was then captured in battle and the two sons of Eli died in one day. Eli's daughter-in-law was giving birth and named her son, Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!”
It was also the case in Ezekiel's time that the glory of the Lord departed from Israel. The Lord tells Ezekiel in Ez. 7:26 about the time of His judgment when the glory departs, “Then they will seek a vision from a prophet; But the law will perish from the priest, and the counsel from the elders.” And as Sue Sievers noted, God was silent for 400 years between the time of Malachi and John the Baptist.
It was the sin and abominations of the people that drove the glory of God away and caused Him to depart, shutting up the heavens. In Ez. 8:2, the Lord had appeared to Ezekiel in glory - as the likeness of fire - “from the appearance of His waist and downward, fire; and from His waist and upward, like the appearance of brightness, like the color of amber.” And He told Ezekiel, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from my sanctuary?”
The Israelites were proclaiming to be His people, but they were far from living as such. In essence, instead of worshiping Him, they were blaspheming God by the way they were living. They were living in sin, idolatry, and doing detestable acts. [b]
Romans 1:18-25 which says, “For the wrath of God is revealed form heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they become fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the image made like corruptible man -and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen”
In Ez. 9:9-10 the Lord says to Ezekiel, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of bloodshed, and the city full of perversity; for they say, 'The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see!' And as for Me also, My eye will neither spare, nor will I have pity, but I will recompense their deeds on their own head.”
After telling Ezekiel this, Ezekiel has a vision of the glory of God departing from the temple in Israel. Ezekiel 10:18-19, says, “Then the glory of the Lord departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted their wings and mounted up from the earth in my sight. When they went out, the wheels were beside them; and they stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord's house, and the glory of God of Israel was above them.”
Ezekiel 11:22-23 goes on to say, “So the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was high above them. And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain [Mount of Olives], which is on the east side of the city.”
The glory of God departed from Israel. However the people were not left without hope. At the same time as the glory departed from the temple, the Lord promised that there would come a time when He would give them one heart, and would but a new spirit within them, taking away their stony heart and giving them a heart of flesh, “that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and then they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” (Ez. 11:19-20)
Proverbs 1:23 says, “Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” As they turned to God, He would put His Spirit within them and cause them to walk by His laws (Ez. 36:27). They would be delivered from their uncleanness and never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations (Ez. 36-29-30). He would do this not because of their righteousness, but so all would know that He is the Lord (Ez. 36:32,38).
“Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down...For the Spirit and the bride say come!” sings.
Lord, thank You for all You have done for us and given us. Thank You for all that You have poured out upon us. I am so grateful for Your goodness and generosity. There is no greater treasure than walking and talking with You. We long to see the fullness of Your Spirit poured out upon us. We long for the fullness of the latter rain. Would You open the heavens and pour out Your Spirit in full measure in our land.
NOTE: A great deal of the material for this blog entry about is based upon a sermon called “The Open Door” by Susan Sievers, 1992.
a.
Cherubims also reside around the throne worshiping God day and night. Revelation 4:6-8 says, “Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.”
For more information on Cherubims see “Cherubim” Located at: http://www.bible-topics.com/Cherubim.html. Last Accessed: 3/88/11
b. Pastor John Mulinde from World Trumpet Ministries recently spoke about this and Romans 1:18-25 in a sermon to International House of Prayer leadership. The sermon is located at:
http://mediasuite.multicastmedia.com/player.php?v=q2qlz32u
1. The Tabernacle Place. The Holy of Holies and the Veil. Located at: http://www.the-tabernacle-place.com/tabernacle_articles/tabernacle_holy_of_holies.aspx. GoodSeed International. Last Accessed: 3/8/11.
2.Corson, Ron. The Latter Rain. A Common Belief Shared By Pentecostals And Seventh-day Adventists. Located at: http://newprotestants.com/latterrain.htm. Last Accessed: 3/8/11.
Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of man. Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves' feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings. Their wings touched one another.
The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies. And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning. And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.
Now as I looked at the living creatures, behold, a wheel was on the earth beside each living creature with its four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their workings was like the color of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. The appearance of their workings was, as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel. When they moved, they went toward any one of the four directions; they did not turn aside when they went. As for their rims, they were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them. When the living creatures went, the wheels were lifted up. Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, because there the spirit went; and the wheels were lifted together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When those went, these went; and those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads. And under the firmament their wings spread out straight, one toward another. Each one had two which covered one side, and each one had two which covered the other side of the body. When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings.
A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings. And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. Like the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 1:1-28)
I just looked at my clock and it read 3:33.
The first time cherubim are mentioned is in Genesis 3:24. Man originally lived in the glory of God. Adam and Eve dwelt with God, walking and talking with Him in the garden. They were naked and not ashamed. When man sinned and ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God covered them with skin and cast them out if the garden where the fullness of His glory dwelt. The door giving us direct access to his glory was shut. It was the cherubim who stood at the east of the garden of Eden, with a flaming sword, guarding the way to the tree of life and keeping man out (Gen. 3:24).
Cherubim were mentioned again when God determined to have a resting place among his people. He gave Moses the pattern of the tabernacle and all its furnishings which included making cherubims of gold to cover the place where His presence dwelt.
He told Moses in Exodus 25:18-20, “And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.”
It was under the wings of the Cherubim that the glory of God resided. 2 Chronicles 5:7-8, “And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims: For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.” [a]
Cherubims are associated with God's glory throughout the Bible (see 2 Sam. 6:2, 2 Kings 19:15, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 99:1) and are referred to as “cherubims of glory” in Hebrews 9:5.
And it is in this place of glory that man has access to walk and talk with God as we did in the garden(John 14:6). Numbers 7:89 says says about the Holy of Holies, “And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.”
However, only the High Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies and only once a year on the day of atonement. One article notes, “Whoever entered into the Holy of Holies was entering the very presence of God. In fact, anyone except the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies would die. Even the high priest, God’s chosen mediator with His people, could only pass through the veil and enter this sacred dwelling once a year, on a prescribed day called the Day of Atonement.” [1]
David in Psalm 24:3-4 cried out, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully”
In our own righteousness this is hopeless. David, seeing this, goes on to pray in Psalm 24:7-10, “Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.”
When Jesus came, he opened the door, making the way for us to have access to the Holy of Holies, into the very presence of God by His blood. It is through His righteousness that we can commune with God.
Hebrews 10:19 22 says, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and let our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Not only was He faithful in opening the way, giving us access to the Father, He is faithful in the fulfillment of all His promises. He will open up the heavens and come again to rule and reign.
“He is faithful to His word...Behold He is coming with clouds, with eyes like the flame of fire of burning desire. His reward is with Him and out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to judge to nations” sings.
Revelation 19:11-16 says, “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
“In hope we say, come, come, come. Lord Jesus come” sings.
When the heavens are opened and the glory of the Lord is poured out upon the people, the word of the Lord and revelation of Him– walking and talking with God – become freely accessible to all (see Acts 2). Peter notes about the outpouring in Acts, “this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Joel 2:28 says, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
One article notes about this verse in Joel, "But though the apostles recognized a fulfillment of this prophecy {Joel 2:28-9} on the day of Pentecost, there will be a larger fulfillment in the last days. What happened at Pentecost was the former rain; that which is due now is the latter rain. The prophecy of Joel is of wider application than the experience at Pentecost. In the days of the early apostles God took some of the great reservoir of power and poured this out in mighty measure on that never-to-be-forgotten day. But the great remainder God reserves until the last days. Then the latter rain will fall, and in copious, abundant showers, in the finishing of the work of God. Observe the following from the Spirit of prophecy:" '"The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost...The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening'"--The Great Controversy p.611 (Quote from The Bible, The Spirit of Prophecy, and The Church by W.E. Read, p.81 1952 Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C.)” [2]
In contrast, when the glory of the Lord has been far from the people and the heaven's have been shut, men did not hear from God. In 1 Samuel 3:1, during the times that Eli and his sons ministered before the Lord it says, “And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” The ark of God was then captured in battle and the two sons of Eli died in one day. Eli's daughter-in-law was giving birth and named her son, Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!”
It was also the case in Ezekiel's time that the glory of the Lord departed from Israel. The Lord tells Ezekiel in Ez. 7:26 about the time of His judgment when the glory departs, “Then they will seek a vision from a prophet; But the law will perish from the priest, and the counsel from the elders.” And as Sue Sievers noted, God was silent for 400 years between the time of Malachi and John the Baptist.
It was the sin and abominations of the people that drove the glory of God away and caused Him to depart, shutting up the heavens. In Ez. 8:2, the Lord had appeared to Ezekiel in glory - as the likeness of fire - “from the appearance of His waist and downward, fire; and from His waist and upward, like the appearance of brightness, like the color of amber.” And He told Ezekiel, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from my sanctuary?”
The Israelites were proclaiming to be His people, but they were far from living as such. In essence, instead of worshiping Him, they were blaspheming God by the way they were living. They were living in sin, idolatry, and doing detestable acts. [b]
Romans 1:18-25 which says, “For the wrath of God is revealed form heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they become fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the image made like corruptible man -and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen”
In Ez. 9:9-10 the Lord says to Ezekiel, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of bloodshed, and the city full of perversity; for they say, 'The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see!' And as for Me also, My eye will neither spare, nor will I have pity, but I will recompense their deeds on their own head.”
After telling Ezekiel this, Ezekiel has a vision of the glory of God departing from the temple in Israel. Ezekiel 10:18-19, says, “Then the glory of the Lord departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted their wings and mounted up from the earth in my sight. When they went out, the wheels were beside them; and they stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord's house, and the glory of God of Israel was above them.”
Ezekiel 11:22-23 goes on to say, “So the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was high above them. And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain [Mount of Olives], which is on the east side of the city.”
The glory of God departed from Israel. However the people were not left without hope. At the same time as the glory departed from the temple, the Lord promised that there would come a time when He would give them one heart, and would but a new spirit within them, taking away their stony heart and giving them a heart of flesh, “that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and then they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” (Ez. 11:19-20)
Proverbs 1:23 says, “Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” As they turned to God, He would put His Spirit within them and cause them to walk by His laws (Ez. 36:27). They would be delivered from their uncleanness and never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations (Ez. 36-29-30). He would do this not because of their righteousness, but so all would know that He is the Lord (Ez. 36:32,38).
“Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down...For the Spirit and the bride say come!” sings.
Lord, thank You for all You have done for us and given us. Thank You for all that You have poured out upon us. I am so grateful for Your goodness and generosity. There is no greater treasure than walking and talking with You. We long to see the fullness of Your Spirit poured out upon us. We long for the fullness of the latter rain. Would You open the heavens and pour out Your Spirit in full measure in our land.
NOTE: A great deal of the material for this blog entry about is based upon a sermon called “The Open Door” by Susan Sievers, 1992.
a.
Cherubims also reside around the throne worshiping God day and night. Revelation 4:6-8 says, “Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.”
For more information on Cherubims see “Cherubim” Located at: http://www.bible-topics.com/Cherubim.html. Last Accessed: 3/88/11
b. Pastor John Mulinde from World Trumpet Ministries recently spoke about this and Romans 1:18-25 in a sermon to International House of Prayer leadership. The sermon is located at:
http://mediasuite.multicastmedia.com/player.php?v=q2qlz32u
1. The Tabernacle Place. The Holy of Holies and the Veil. Located at: http://www.the-tabernacle-place.com/tabernacle_articles/tabernacle_holy_of_holies.aspx. GoodSeed International. Last Accessed: 3/8/11.
2.Corson, Ron. The Latter Rain. A Common Belief Shared By Pentecostals And Seventh-day Adventists. Located at: http://newprotestants.com/latterrain.htm. Last Accessed: 3/8/11.
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