The prophet Isaiah was living in a time of uncertainty. King Uzziah had died and the nation was facing a significant transition. Where do you turn in times of uncertainty? Isaiah went to meet with God and saw an amazing vision of the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted, up as the Seraphim worshipped God:

And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of armies. The whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)

When people have a divine encounter with God, they are often overwhelmed by His glory and confronted by their unworthiness. This was remarkable considering Isaiah was a member of the religious elite and yet, he was engulfed by his sinfulness:

Then I said, “Woe to me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of armies.” (Isaiah 6:5)

When we start to comprehend the holiness of God, we can become consumed with an overwhelming sense of our sinfulness. Isaiah’s confession then led to God’s cleansing touch:

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your guilt is taken away and atonement is made for your sin.” (Isaiah 6:6-7)

God took away Isaiah’s guilt and his sin was covered. Have you experienced God’s cleansing touch? The Apostle Paul revealed our need for spiritual cleansing if we are to be used by God:

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21)

It was after God’s cleansing touch that Isaiah was able to hear the voice of the Lord:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

God is speaking, the question is, “Do I have ears to hear Him?” Our spiritual disposition determines if we are able to hear God’s still small voice. If we can see God as He is, high and lifted up, we can be delivered from low living. God doesn’t plead with us, but He gives us an invitation.

It is significant to note that God did not address His call specifically to Isaiah, but it’s available to all. Isaiah had ears to hear from God. Whether or not we hear from God depends upon our spiritual condition. When we are in tune with God, then we will hear His voice and respond accordingly. Isaiah was fully surrendered to God and in conscious freedom he responded, Here am I, send me.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark