There are many times when we’re reading Scripture where we run across familiar images… repeated phrases… names… places… and we are sure that we should know more about these references. This is where Biblical Study becomes fascinating, spiritually maturing, and rewarding. Today we take a break from studying the Gospels to reflect on The Four Living Creatures from Ezekiel 1:10
Ezekiel 1: 10 – Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.
In Ezekiel’s vision he sees four living creatures – each with 4 faces. Some other details include:
- In appearance their form was human
- They each had four wings
- Their legs were straight
- Feet like those of a calf
- They gleamed like burnished bronze
- They had human hands
- Their wings touched one another
- They did not turn as they moved
- Each one went straight ahead.
- They supported and carried the glory of the God of Israel.
All interesting details, but it is the four faces that compels us to stop. At any point in space, like where you are standing today, you are where four corners meet: North, South, East, and West. The four directions can describe the way you face. Here, these creatures have four faces.
The face of a man is interesting, since we know that God created humans in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27). The lion is known for its strength and fearlessness, but most of all in Scripture, it is known for its rulership and authority – the king of its domain. (Genesis 49:9-10) The ox is a service animal, known for its strength, it represents the strength of Israel. (Numbers 23:22) And the eagle represented a transcendent God and His loving care towards Israel. (Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:11)
Now fast-forward to John’s vision in Revelation 4:6-7 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.
Clearly the Biblical authors want us to make a connection. They are reminding us in Revelation that these four living creatures should be familiar, but they’re different from the four creatures with four faces in Ezekiel… now in Revelation, these four creatures have one face each.
What has happened to transform these four living creatures? Consider, the four living Gospels!
This insight comes from the different sermons of the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee that introduce the four Gospels and how they appeal to the four different people groups that existed in that part of the world when Jesus’ ministry took place.
It makes sense that between Ezekiel’s vision and John’s vision in Revelation, the power of the Gospel has been released. (Romans 1:16) The glory of God has been revealed to man – all of humanity, across time and across distance. People ask why there are four Gospels – apparently, because we needed four! The disciples, then apostles, went in all directions to bring the Good News of salvation through Jesus. (Matthew 28:18-20)
The first three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke, are called the synoptic Gospels. They tell similar stories and parables from Jesus’ ministry, but there is a subtle difference in perspective. (McGee ‘s history of the people groups is helpful here. Look on YouTube or try here: Matthew Intro.)
The Gospel of John is unique – there are no parables and the usage of 7’s is meant to highlight the divinity and authority of Jesus as our Savior.
- MATTHEW – for the religious man, written in Hebrew for the Jewish audience. This Gospel presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies more than the other Gospels. The genealogies are important to trace the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises through the lineage of Jesus. Jesus is the KING – We see the Face of the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Matthew speaks to the rightful authority of Jesus.
- MARK – for the Roman, the working or strong, man – both slave and soldier. The servant attitude of Jesus as the Messiah is emphasized in this Gospel. He is mission-focused, serving His Father to benefit humanity – the Face of the Ox.
- LUKE – for the thinking man, the Greek influence of being attentive to new thoughts and ideas and areas of discovery… physics, logic, and ethics. This man wants to make sense of the world using reason and knowledge. Interesting that Luke, the author, is a Greek physician – We see here the Face of a Man. This gospel highlights the humanity of Jesus, how He interacts with the culture around him and how people respond to Him. Luke leaves no doubt that being a bystander is not an option.
- JOHN – for the Oriental – the ‘Eastern’ man. Think back to what this meant in 90 AD. History has just witnessed its last superpower shift when the Romans took over from Greece, after the Medes and Persians, and the Babylonians. Power has shifted from the East (‘Oriental’) to the West (‘Occidental’) and the conquered people would be living in areas where great wealth would be right next to great poverty – this Gospel is for the ‘wretched’ man. This is nothing new; don’t be offended by the description of this last group – this Gospel is for ALL believers! Only those who recognize their own wretchedness and their need for a savior, will believe in THE SAVIOR. John speaks to our Spirit with the Face of an Eagle, to the divinity of Jesus.
Matthew tells the religious or nationalist man… you still need a savior.
Mark tells good, self-righteous man… you still need a savior.
Luke tells the skeptical child of God… Sorry, it’s true, and you too, need a savior.
And John tells them all that God loves them all so much, that He was willing to die for them. I love that no matter which Gospel speaks more strongly to a person, everyone knows John 3:16
Whatever these four living creatures are – they are heavenly, spiritual beings that serve forever at the throne of our living God. They exist to praise and glorify God. They have eyes everywhere and that is a reminder to us that God’s redemption plan for us has been eternal. Jesus has been our rescuer before we were born. These special living creatures remind us that the Gospels, God’s Word, is forever (Isaiah 40:6-8) and once sent out, it will not return empty (Isaiah 55:11).
He sees you. He calls out to You. Don’t ignore Him, you need Him. Add Him to your to-do list today: (1) Read the Gospel of John… (2) Read one of the synoptic Gospels… (This is meant to be repetitive.)
🙏 Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Faithful Love. You call to us again and again, to turn away from the broken world in which we currently live, to draw near to You and Your kingdom. Keep speaking to our broken hearts and broken minds. Remind us that we were never meant to find true life on our own. We were never meant to live apart from You. Your Word brings healing and Your Word brings new life. I pray now in the name of Our Savior Jesus, to bring Your children, both – healing and new life. Amen.