Isaiah’s vision
Introduction
It was tough being a prophet! By the time we get to chapter 6 of Isaiah, this young prophet has already brought messages of woe to the people of Judah. He’s told them that God thinks their offerings are meaningless. He’s told them that God cannot bear their evil assemblies. He’s told them that God will no longer listen to their prayers. He has told them that it is only because of God’s grace to them that they haven’t become like Sodom and Gomorrah. And he’s told them that, despite all this, God is still willing to forgive their sins, which are as red as crimson.
Now it is 739 BC, the year in which King Uzziah died. Let’s see how amazingly God encourages Isaiah in his ministry.
Reflect – Isaiah has a vision of the Lord
- Think about the description of the Lord in Isaiah’s vision. What things do you learn about the LORD from verse 1?
- The seraphim or ‘burning ones’ are six-winged creatures. What are they declaring about the LORD? (v 3)
- In the vision what happened to the temple at the sound of their voices?
King Uzziah may have left his throne on earth, but the greatest King, the holiest One of all, is still seated on the throne of heaven. He is so great even the temple cannot contain him.
Hundreds of years later the apostle John writes that this King is the Lord Jesus Christ appearing in all his glory. John 12:41 says: Isaiah said these things because he saw Jesus and spoke about him. The outlook in Judah may be bleak, but the ‘uplook’ is glorious! God is still on the throne, and he is the Sovereign Lord of the universe!
Reflect – Isaiah has a vision of himself
- How does Isaiah react when he sees this vision of the LORD? (v 5). Why do you think he has this reaction?
- Why is it significant that the coal that touches Isaiah’s lips comes from the altar – the place of sacrifice?
- What does the seraph declare to be the result of the coal touching Isaiah’s lips?
A close encounter with God’s power and majesty and holiness makes us realise just how sinful we are. This is why it is so important that we read and study God’s Word. We need to be constantly learning more about the character of God. When we do this we realise what our true status is before him – and how much we need his cleansing.
And so it is with Isaiah. One of the seraphim plucks a burning coal of purification from the altar. He touches Isaiah on the lips, symbolising the fact that he is going to have a speaking ministry. The altar – the place where the animals were sacrificed – symbolises purification by blood; and the fire symbolises purification by the Spirit. And it is the blood of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that purify us today.
Reflect – Isaiah has a vision for ministry
- What steps has God used to prepare Isaiah for what he asks him to do? (v 8a) What is Isaiah’s response? (v 8b)
And then the Lord asks who will go to proclaim God’s words to the people. And Isaiah willingly responds with some of the best-known words in Scripture: “Here am I. Send me!”
Never underestimate what God can do with one willing worker. The field is white for the harvest. And the command to us is still the same as it was to Isaiah: “Go and tell this people….” And God loves us to respond with:
“Here am I; send me.”
Let’s sing!
Holy is the Lord God Almighty (Tomlin); O Praise the Name (Hillsong); Holy, Holy, Holy (The Hymn Project); I, the Lord of Sea and Sky (Schutte).