Daily Reflections on Ezek. 1:1-9, 25-28 (What Does God Look Like?)

Star Trek and William Shatner started is all. They opened the door for all the recent SciFi movies, shows, and merchandising. Star Wars really boosted the trend. Now "beaming" or dismantling particle and reassembling them in a distant place seems to be the norm in all of today's SciFi genres. The bizarre creatures that first were seen in Star Trek episodes have evolved through subsequent series, sequels, and imaginative take offs.

ET, Yoda, Clingons, Asgard and others dominate the big and small screens. Various creatures of unique design always cause alarm when first encountered. Even before the latest trend in movie characters, men from outer space we're almost always depicted in shiny attire. I'd say silver suits but back then most everything was done in black and white, so shiny equaled silver.

The image painted of God's personage in the opening lines of Ezekiel's testimony is startling and amazing at the same time. Trying to place myself into that scene, I'm not sure whether I'd been drawn in closer in curiosity or want to look away or maybe even run away. Since no one has ever seen God, Ezekiel's vision no doubt caused him to be awestruck.

But how do you describe God? If you painted a picture of God and the angels around the throne of God, how would you capture his awesome majesty and glory? How would you recount his appearance? To what or whom would you compare God? His nature and His throne would be nothing like anyone had ever experienced. Yet, Ezekiel takes a stab as he recounts his vision. Even in a day in which we're used to strange and different characters, no one could really describe the true brilliance and glory of God.

God, if I could see you as you are, I doubt that I could ever describe you. And since you are spirit and infinite, there is no way to simplify your nature and physical state. Forgive me for trying to put you in my image box. Your grandeur is beyond my comprehension.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 5:1-11 (Amazed)

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wondered how He could love me, a sinner declared 'unclean.'" Peter could have penned those lines as he fell to his knees before Jesus in this passage. Amazed and astonished by the power and presence of Jesus.

I'm sure Peter's heart was already stirred by Jesus' teaching, otherwise he wouldn't have gone fishing after having been out all night doing it with nothing to show for his efforts. We don't really know what Jesus taught, but at the end of His teaching on the Sermon on the Mount the people's response was amazement and that He taught as one having authority.

Apparently Jesus didn't do any fancy mumbo jumbo. He simply said, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." They did and were overrun with no doubt the biggest catch of their lives. So big it almost sunk their boat. Now, that's a lot of fish. The sight, the experience, the presence of Jesus issued a humbled response from the rugged fisherman.

Without a hell, fire and brimstone message from Jesus, Peter came to a quick realization of his own character and nature. He confessed he was a sinner and not worthy to be in the presence of Jesus. But you don't see condemnation by Jesus. You see an invitation to be with Him. Not only just to hang around with Him, but actually be a part of a world changing team. No way! Way!

Peter, James, and John put their boats into shore, left their nets, their boats, their business, their fish, their homes, their families and followed Jesus on the spot. It doesn't say that they took their fish to market, washed up their nets, put their boats in dry dock and then followed Jesus. It doesn't even say that they packed an overnight bag. The text says they left everything and followed Jesus. They now had new careers and a new calling and a new life.

Have you ever really had an encounter with Jesus? I don't mean observed Him from a distance. I mean a personal, face to face experience with Jesus. If you did, you'd be singing the same tune. How marvelous! How wonderful is my savior's love for me.

God, you don't have to wow me with some miracle or fancy hocus pocus. You wow me simply by your presence. I'm overwhelmed by your love and grace and mercy and strength and nature alone. Your words stir my heart and mind and challenge my thoughts and actions. I'm drawn to you! I want to know you more.