I’m not sure how I manage to get so many soliciting SMS [short message service] texts, because to my knowledge I have never consented to receive anything from these certain companies or small businesses. Yet, there they are—short and sweet—on my phone asking me to clink on a specific promotion link. I block or delete the text and move on knowing another message will soon show up, again.
I do not like being on the receiving end of any unwanted message, but every form of communication arrives as a part of life. Sometimes, the unwanted messages we receive bring deep sorrow, sometimes challenges, and sometimes rebukes. Can you imagine being instructed to personally deliver a message you know will be regarded as extremely unpleasant, emotionally upsetting, and completely unwanted?
In our passage today, the prophet Isaiah has a vision of the Lord and he is overwhelmed by the reality of God’s Throne, the seraphim angels, and the pure holiness of God’s glorious presence. Just seeing this view of the heavenly realm overwhelms Isaiah. Immediately, Isaiah sees a contrast between Who and what is holy—God—and who and what is not—humanity.
God had chosen to send Isaiah to deliver an unwanted message to Israel. Although Israel thought they were favored and pleasing to God, the Lord was planning to destroy them for their disobedience! Someone needed to warn them. Therefore, God cleansed and prepared Isaiah to be the messenger of a very unpleasant and unwanted message to Israel from the Lord. God wants his people to know the Truth, so they can repent and be restored in holy fellowship. Isaiah submitted himself to God’s service. Humanity still needs to know the truth. Will you go?
Isaiah 6:1-8 NLT Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call
1 It was in the year King Uzziah died[740 BC] that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Prayer: Lord, we want to thank you for the cleansing process you use to prepare us for your service. Our awareness of your moral perfection moves us away from sin and toward your holiness. Cleanse our hearts and minds from being preoccupied with the world. We want to worship and serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.