I looked and I saw a windstorm…an immense cloud flashing with lightning and surrounded by brilliant light…and in the fire was…what looked like four living creatures. Their form that of a man…and wings…their faces looked like a man…a lion…an ox…and eagle…The wheels did not turn as the creatures went, and …were full of eyes all around. When I saw it, I fell face down and I heard the voice of one speaking… “Son of man, stand…I am sending you to the Israelites…you must speak my words to them.”

Artist’s Interpretation:

The central figure’s heart breaks, as Ezekiel’ would see how difficult it would be to work with the rebellious Israelites. He could not ignore the strange and powerful vision from God. Here is the living creature with Man, ruler of God’s creation; the Lion, greatest of the wild; the Ox, strongest of the domesticated; and the Eagle, the mightiest of the sky. Frequently they are used to reflect the authors of the Gospels respectively Luke, the Doctor to heal mankind; Matthew, heralded as Lion to the Israelites; Mark, the domestic Servant of Christ and John prophesying God’s triumph over the earthly world in heaven.