Ezekiel 1:8-9 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.… I. AS A SYMBOL OF THE IDEAL LIFE OF MAN. Perfect blending of serving and soaring. Man is a child of the skies as well as of the soft. II. AS A SYMBOL OF SUPERHUMAN ENERGY AND FORCE IN CONNECTION WITH THE HUMAN INSTRUMENTALITY. Human skill, tact, and eloquence are powerless unless winged by superhuman might. III. THE RIGHT PLACE FOR THE HAND OF SERVICE IS UNDER THE WING OF FAITH. "Whether ye eat or drink," etc. IV. IN THE NOBLEST SERVICE THERE IS NEED FOR SWIFTNESS AND GRACE. If there were more delight in service there would be no need to repeat appeals and resort to contrivances and schemes to get work done. V. THE HAND OF SERVICE PARTLY HIDDEN BY THAT WHICH GIVES IT SPEED. Often those whose days are filled with business find time for Christian labour of most varied kinds. (H. Starmer.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. |
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