By Evangelist John BJ Hall
When traumatic events take place the result can be positive or negative. It all depends on our outlook. In the book of Isaiah an event took place that changed the life of the nation. In chapter six we see that King Uzziah died. With his death came the decline of the nation. It is this event that struck the heart of Isaiah and brought about a reconceptualization, a new look.
Isaiah got a new concept, a new program, a new look. The first thing we see is how high and powerful God is. Above His throne were Seraphim, which literally mean "Burning Ones." Their purpose is to serve God, to worship, and reflect His glory. In these awesome heavenly creatures we see three things. First we see humility as they cover their faces with two of their six wings. We see commitment, as they covered their feet. And service as they flew to do His will.
The problem that the death of the king showed is that we depend on the wrong things. People like to depend on the government. But governments are made of men. And men will let you down. Sometimes we feel we can depend on the church. But churches can falter. The church can't get you into heaven. Only the Lord can do that.
So we need this new look; this new concept, this new program from God.
It begins with a new concept of who we are. Who am I? Isaiah said he was "a man of unclean lips." The concept he first needed was to see who he was. He needed to humble himself before God. He realized that he, personally, fell short of God's glory.
Next he needed a new concept of community. He needed to know what the people are and where they are spiritually. He said, "I dwell in the midst if a people of unclean lips." He recognized that the people fell short of God's glory.
Isaiah needed to see a new source of cleansing and power. One of the Seraphim flew to him with a live coal in his hands. The coal was a token of cleansing and forgiveness. What is the source of cleansing and power in our lives? Only the Blood of the Lamb can cleanse us.
Finally he needed a new concept of responsibility. After the seraphim had placed the live coal in his lips, God asked, "Who shall I send, and who will go for us?"
Isaiah cried out, "Here am I; send me." But there is something in the original language that we miss with that simple English phrase. When Isaiah said "send me" he used the imperative form. So he is really saying, "Make me go."
Have you ever asked God to make you do His bidding? Maybe that is what has been missing in your life. Several years ago God gave me a prayer to sing.
NOT WHAT I WISH TO BE
Not what I wish to be,
Nor where I wish to go;
For who am I that I should choose my way
The Lord shall choose for me,
'Tis better far I know
So let Him bid me go or stay.
© Copyright 1993 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
For permission to use this poem contact Passages Ministries.