ISAIAH’S VISION OF GOD (ISA 6:1-9)

Charles Schulz, in his cartoon "Peanuts", showed Charlie Brown and Lucy aboard a ship. Both had deck chairs. Lucy, basking in the sun in her chair, said, "Some like to place their chairs facing the rear of the ship so they can see where they've been, while others place them facing the front of the ship, so they can see where they're going." Charlie Brown, struggling with his chair, said, "I'd just like to get my chair open." Many of us are like Charlie Brown, we need help getting prepared for our overall concept of God's plan for us.
Isaiah saw a vision of God seated on His throne of glory. As we look to this historical event, there are four aspects to consider regarding God's plan for missions. Isaiah's vision was:

Isaiah saw God on His throne, seated in glory. He was surrounded by Seraphims, mighty angels, who covered their face and their feet. These seraphim continually cried, holy, holy, holy. God's power and glory is beyond our comprehension. Note, God is the Lord of Hosts, entire armies of spiritual beings await His command. We need a fresh vision of God as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The Psalm writer said, "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." (Psa 24:8) This is the God we serve. We are in a mighty battle against the forces of Satan and evil. It is good to know that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above anything we could ask or think. Ask Him to give you a greater understanding of His glory and His purpose for your life.

One look at God and Isaiah was undone, "woe is me". He saw himself by comparison as unclean, guilty and condemned, standing amongst a people with the same uncleanness. Look around at our generation today. Many are ignoring God and His will. Be careful of explaining away or ignoring sin. Our generation seems to take a low view of sin and its deadly effects. Some even revel in sin, all the while justifying themselves by saying, "Everybody else is doing it!" God says all sin has the same consequences. "The wages of sin is death" (Rom 6:23). All of us are under the same condemnation. Without God's help with our sin problem we would certainly be lost.

This symbolic action signified the removal of Isaiah's guilt and sin. Note, it is God who takes the initiative even as He sent His Son Jesus to pay the price for our sins, dying in our place, removing our guilt and giving us life eternal through faith in His finished work. Sinners need a Savior. We are all sinners, so we all need Jesus. Have you asked Him to be your Savior? "For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Eph 2:8). Isaiah was prepared by God for this commission. We are prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ for eternity. His finished work on the altar of sacrifice, makes possible fellowship with and service for God.

Isaiah was now cleansed and he was ready. As soon as the call is sent out, He instantly responds. God's prepared work is done through a prepared people. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, have been given a special purpose. They are under the great commission. "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Mat 28:19). Are you reaching out? Are you involved? Indeed, we are all called to be part of the mission. We are ambassadors for Christ. May God help us to be all we can be for His honor and glory.
A well known painter was said to use two canvases whenever he painted. One was placed just above the other. The top canvas was used to visualize his painting while he painted what he visualized on the lower canvas. As the painter kept a vision in his mind concerning his painting, so we need to keep our eyes on God to see His will for our lives and the lives of those around us. Only as we see His glory, His holiness, His grace and His call can we be effective in His work. God bless.