God’s throne sat high in the heavens, towering over
everything within human sight. The train of the Lord’s robe spilled over and filled the temple. Seraphim displayed sights and sounds of exaltation to Him. As smoke permeated the temple, the doorway’s foundation trembled because of a voice crying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.”
Suddenly Isaiah fell to his knees in humility, discerning the King, the Lord of heaven’s armies, while realizing his own impurity. “Woe is me,” he cried, “for I am ruined!”
Immediately one of the seraphim touched Isaiah’s mouth with a burning coal, declaring his sins forgiven. Then he heard the voice of the Lord asking, “Who will go to my people and be my messenger?
Isaiah replied, “Here I am. Send me.” And a forgiven, humble prophet became a powerful mouthpiece for God.
This happening took place in the year of King Uzziah’s death. Isaiah proclaimed the fact of the king’s death immediately before he described his vision. So why is this piece of information important? Because it reflects obedience and sin, humility and pride.
Sin pervaded the lands of Judah and Israel while God-fearing Jews remained devoted to God. New kings replaced old kings. They performed both good and evil deeds before the Lord. One king in particular who did right in the sight of the Lord was King Uzziah. From sixteen years of age until the age of sixty-eight, King Uzziah reigned. As long as he sought the Lord God in his decisions, God empowered and prospered him. But when his fame spread and his strength grew, his heart filled with pride. He assumed the role of a priest and acted corruptly by entering the temple to burn incense. Because of his unfaithfulness to the Lord, God struck him with leprosy until the day he died. Pride goeth before a fall……
In the midst of King Uzziah’s reign, wars and rumors of wars spread throughout the lands. Moral decadence and disobedience increased. Because of Uzziah’s strong protection, the people walked blindly in their sins, feeling secure under his rule. So when he died, they panicked. Even the devoted Jews feared their future. Yet at the death of King Uzziah, Isaiah saw another King. He beheld the King of kings.
God revealed Himself to Isaiah, displaying His holiness upon His throne. The revelation allowed Isaiah to understand that though the human king died, the divine King remained in control of all circumstances. Isaiah recognized the sovereignty of God.
God still reigns. His glory surrounds humanity even as mankind’s madness continues to loom large. His holiness should humble humanity, yet people continue to strive with pride. Pride goes before a fall from grace, yet grace overflows when repentant hearts bow in humility before the Supreme God.
What struggles do you face? What circumstances surround you? Are you focused on God or your problems? Your heart’s attention will determine your state of mind.
So turn your eyes to Jesus. Humble yourself before the King of kings. Receive His grace. And remember—our Sovereign God is still on the throne.
But at that point he became proud—and corrupt. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the forbidden sanctuary of the Temple and personally burning incense upon the altar. 2 Chronicles 26:16 (TLB)
In a great antiphonal chorus they sang, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with his glory.” Isaiah 6:3 (TLB)
Then one of the mighty angels flew over to the altar and with a pair of tongs picked out a burning coal. He touched my lips with it and said, “Now you are pronounced ‘not guilty’ because this coal has touched your lips. Your sins are all forgiven.” Isaiah 6:6-7 (TLB)
For more insight into Isaiah’s story, read…..
- Isaiah 6
- 2 Kings 15
- 2 Chronicles 26
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