And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:6-8
Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. Ezekiel 1:5-10
These faces cover four aspects of Christ’s ministry for us. Each of the four gospels portray the story of Christ from the viewpoint of one of these aspects:
Matthew — Lion; the perfect King on David’s throne of Judah.
Mark — Ox; the perfect Burden Bearer, Servant.
Luke — Man; the perfect Son of Man, Father of our race.
John — Eagle; the perfect Overcomer, Victorious One.
Let us all join with them all saying; “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:6-8
