A Call To Holiness And Service

Title: A Call to Holiness and Service

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah 57:1-2

Introduction:
In today’s passage, we encounter the prophet Isaiah during a significant moment in his life when he was called by God to his prophetic ministry. As we explore these verses, we will reflect on the themes of holiness, recognizing our unworthiness before God, responding to His call, and finding comfort in the promise of God’s mercy.

I. Encountering the Holiness of God (Isaiah 6:1-4)
The passage begins with Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness and glory. He sees the Lord seated on a lofty throne, surrounded by seraphim who call out to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” This vision overwhelms Isaiah with a sense of God’s absolute holiness and majesty, causing him to recognize his own unworthiness in the presence of the Almighty.

Today, many people have lost sight of the holiness of God, often portraying Him as a mere buddy or a distant, impersonal force rather than the holy and righteous Creator of the universe. But encountering the holiness of God should lead us to a deep sense of awe and reverence, acknowledging our sinfulness and need for His grace.

II. Recognizing Our Unworthiness (Isaiah 6:5)
Isaiah’s response to the vision of God’s holiness is one of deep humility and repentance. He exclaims, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” In the presence of God’s holiness, Isaiah becomes acutely aware of his own sinfulness and inadequacy.

Similarly, when we truly encounter the holiness of God, we cannot help but recognize our own unworthiness. We are all sinful and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). This should lead us to humble ourselves before Him, confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness and cleansing.

III. Responding to God’s Call (Isaiah 6:6-8)
In response to Isaiah’s confession, one of the seraphim touches his lips with a live coal from the altar, symbolizing the forgiveness and cleansing of his sin. Then Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Without hesitation, Isaiah responds, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah’s willingness to respond to God’s call serves as an example for all believers. When we encounter the holiness of God and recognize our unworthiness, it should lead us to a place of surrender and willingness to serve Him. God is continually seeking those who are willing to be sent out as His ambassadors, sharing the message of His love, grace, and salvation with a broken world. Will we, like Isaiah, respond to His call with a resounding “Here am I”?

IV. Finding Comfort in God’s Mercy (Isaiah 57:1-2)
In Isaiah 57:1-2, the prophet speaks of the righteous perishing and no one taking it to heart, and the devout being taken away while no one understands. He Continues by expressing that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil, and they enter into peace. Despite the apparent injustice and confusion in the world, God’s mercy is at work, providing comfort and peace for those who belong to Him.

While the passage in Isaiah 6 emphasizes the awe-inspiring holiness of God and the call to serve Him, Isaiah 57:1-2 offers comfort and assurance to those who are faithful to the Lord. It reminds us that God sees the suffering and injustice in the world, and He ultimately brings peace and rest to His people. This truth encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to find hope in His mercy, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

Conclusion:
As we reflect on these passages, may we be reminded of the holiness of God and our own unworthiness, which should lead us to humble repentance and a readiness to respond to His call. Let us also find comfort in the assurance that God’s mercy and peace are available to those who belong to Him.

Let us heed the call to holiness, surrender ourselves to God’s will, and find reassurance in His mercy. May we, like Isaiah, respond to the Lord’s call with humility and readiness, knowing that He is faithful to equip and empower us for the tasks He has set before us.

May we all strive to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, responding to His call with willing hearts, and finding comfort in His mercy and peace. Amen.