Page 10 - Sarah's Children

The description continues that this being was “perfect in beauty.” How can we even
fathom what this description means. We have nothing on this earth to compare. How
many people have been captivated by a beautiful sunset over the ocean, or the
appearance of dew on the flowers of the morning? The Father has placed many
wondrous and beautiful sights in creation, yet the creation suffers the consequences
of sin. This angel was so breathtakingly beautiful that we would have trouble turning
our gaze away from such a sight.

The garments with which this cherub was adorned were also appropriately
magnificent. The purest gold was used and he was arrayed with the most precious
of gemstones, themselves flawless and full of beauty.

Yahweh excelled in the fashioning of this magnificent being. He vested this covering
cherub with characteristics that were part of His own nature. He gave it perfection,
wisdom, and beauty. He also had an appointed purpose for this being to fulfill. We
are told that this was the “anointed cherub who covers”. Some have suggested that
this cherub stood in the presence of Yahweh and covered His glory. Yahweh says, “I
placed you there”, speaking of His predetermined will for this being.

Yet we know that the being that is described is the same as the one we now know as
Satan, the adversary. He was among the greatest angelic beings ever created, and his
role before Yahweh was lofty and magnificent. What glory was his, and what
responsibility? Whatever it means to be the anointed cherub that covers, we can be
assured that the calling was equal to the being selected to fulfill it. To be in the very
presence of Yahweh would be a calling that far exceeds the worth of any being of
creation.

How then did Lucifer, the light bearer, begin to find dissatisfaction with his position
and calling? Ezekiel continues the story with these words:

Ezekiel 28:17
"Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your
wisdom by reason of your splendor.”

The apostle Paul makes reference to the transgression of Satan when speaking to
Timothy. When giving instructions for the appointment of ministers Paul states that
they should not be a new convert, “lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the
same condemnation as the devil” (I Timothy 3:6, NKJV). At some point this anointed
cherub took his eyes off the real source of all beauty, wisdom and perfection, which
is Yahweh, and he began to gaze upon himself. He saw the magnificence of his own
creation, his great beauty and splendor, and he began to find fault with his place in
Yahweh’s order. He thought that he should walk in a greater purpose, a higher
calling, and have more honor. Isaiah speaks of it in this way: