via TJC
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV)
Even today, as I read Isiah’s commissioning in chapter 6, it is so powerful it brings tears to my eyes. The chapter starts with Isiah brought up into God’s glory, so glorious that flamingly bright angels (seraphim) can’t help but proclaim loudly & boldly about God’s glory (& even these angels covered their face & feet out of reverence).
Isiah’s reaction: he fell on his face & said woe is me I am undone; I am unclean & can’t even speak clean words. One of these fiery angels flew down to Isaiah & touched his mouth with a burning coal. The Lord then asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
Isiah’s response: “Here am I. Send me!”
… What a cool human response (“Here I am. Send me”) to realizing the awesomeness and power of God’s majesty. If not previously familiar with this chapter of Isaiah, then first please pause now & take the time to read this chapter for yourself, as the above paraphrase does not do it justice.
But… Why does this passage start with “In the year that King Uzziah died”? Because it was the year when all hope seemed to have been lost. It was the year when military might was failing, the economy was shattered, and enemies were laughing. It was at that time that Isaiah saw the glory of God and accepted his commission.
Daily Battle Order:
Though I’m familiar with this passage as we would study & meditate on it before going on the mission field, it still moves me today. Please pause and (re)read Isiah chapter 6 for yourself, and family. Then ask yourself:
Are you willing to let God touch/burn away unclean areas?
Can you too respond, “Here am I Lord. Send me” ?
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