How can we incorporate the symbolism of Ezekiel 41:19 into our worship practices? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 41:19 • Ezekiel, given a heavenly tour of the restored temple, notices walls adorned with “a face of a man toward the palm on one side” and “a face of a young lion toward the palm on the other”. • Both images repeat “all around the temple,” signaling that God wants worshipers to notice and ponder this pairing every time they enter. Why a Man and a Lion? • God-ward orientation: The man’s face highlights rational, relational capacity—humanity created to know and respond to God (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:4-6). • Majesty and might: The lion’s face depicts royal power and fearless authority—traits Scripture later applies to Christ as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). • Two sides of one Messiah: In Jesus we meet both perfect humanity (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:17) and kingly supremacy (Colossians 1:16-18). • Balance for worshipers: The carvings call God’s people to approach Him with warmth and intimacy (man) yet also reverence and awe (lion). Themes We Can Carry into Worship Today • Intimacy plus holiness—drawing near without casualness. • Accessibility plus authority—Christ welcomes yet commands. • Lowliness plus victory—He is the Servant (Philippians 2:7-8) who also conquers (Philippians 2:9-11). Practical Ways to Incorporate the Symbolism 1. Visual reminders – Use art, banners, or slides that pair gentle imagery of Christ’s humanity with regal symbols of His kingship. – When decorating a sanctuary or meeting space, alternate motifs (e.g., open hands / crowned lion) to echo Ezekiel’s alternating carvings. 2. Song selection – Blend intimate lyrics (“What a Friend we have in Jesus”) with anthems proclaiming His sovereignty (“Crown Him with Many Crowns”). – Explicitly tie intro comments to Ezekiel 41:19 so the congregation hears the biblical source. 3. Scripture readings – Pair passages like Hebrews 4:15 (“We have a high priest…”) with Revelation 19:16 (“KING OF KINGS”). – Read them back-to-back without commentary to let the contrast sink in, mirroring the alternating faces on the wall. 4. Responsive elements – Call to worship: a verse stressing Christ’s nearness (Matthew 11:28). – Congregational response: a verse declaring His rule (Psalm 24:10). – The rhythm mirrors man-lion, intimacy-majesty. 5. Communion focus – Before the bread: stress Christ’s shared humanity (1 Corinthians 11:24). – Before the cup: proclaim His victorious blood (Colossians 2:15). 6. Teaching moments – Periodically explain Ezekiel 41:19 so newer believers grasp why the church alternates these emphases. – Reinforce that both images are literal carvings God chose; we honor His design by letting both shape our worship. Safeguards and Heart Checks • Avoid sentimentalizing Christ’s humanity so much that His authority is muted (Luke 6:46). • Guard against so emphasizing His sovereignty that believers hesitate to draw near (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Encourage personal reflection: Which side of the man-lion pairing do I resist? Ask the Spirit to bring balance. Spurring One Another On • Share testimonies: how a fresh glimpse of Christ’s compassion or kingship has deepened your worship. • Use small-group study to trace the theme through Scripture—man (e.g., Luke 19:10) and lion (e.g., Proverbs 28:1, Revelation 5:5). • Celebrate progress when the congregation’s songs, prayers, and attitudes reflect both softness and strength. By weaving this God-given symbol into our gatherings, we echo the very architecture of Ezekiel’s temple: every wall silently preaching the wondrous truth that our Savior is both fully man and reigning Lion. |
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