Isaiah

July 9, 2017 Background Scripture: Isaiah 6 Lesson Passage: Isaiah 6:1 – 8 Sometimes people get in our way. No, not the rude or disruptive type people but rather the type of people we look up to and admire. Our admiration and respect for our chosen role models will sometimes make it difficult for us to see anyone else. The prophet Isaiah could really give us a lesson in understanding this. Isaiah has the distinction of being the greatest of the writing prophets of Israel. It has been noted that his writing covers the same span of time as the Bible. The writing even includes the time beyond a new heaven and a new earth. Some have considered Isaiah’s writing as a miniature bible because of the numerous parallels that are found between the two. As with the other prophets of Israel, Isaiah’s calling was unique. In spite of the uniqueness, all of the prophetic callings shared many similarities. They experienced the calling through their physical senses. Some heard, saw, felt and even tasted something at the time of their calling. Isaiah shares with his readers what he heard and what he saw when he was called. Isaiah dated his calling by a significant historic event in his life. It was the year that King Uzziah died. Tradition states that King Uzziah was either Isaiah’s uncle or cousin. Uzziah had been enthroned as king of Judah at the age of sixteen and ruled for fifty two years. He had literally matured as a man on the throne of Judah. King Uzziah’s death was a tragedy for Isaiah in several ways. Not only did Judah lose its king of over half a century but there are many perks that go along with being part of a royal family. There is also much insecurity that arises at the death of a patriarch in the family who is also a good king. Into this sadness and confusion in Isaiah’s life, God stepped. God was not there to replace King Uzziah in Isaiah’s life but to elevate Isaiah to a level that exceeded many of the prophets of Israel. The first sight in Isaiah’s vision during his calling was the Lord enthroned above the temple. This was significant in that it should have reassured Isaiah that although human kings come and go, the Lord does not abdicate his throne and he continues to rule throughout history. The Lord was not in the temple but was high above it. Although Israel had become a monarchy at their request to be like other people, the Lord continued to rule over the monarchy with his theocracy. Put another way, Israel desired a manmade government but God only allowed that because man’s government is overruled by God’s government. Isaiah also observed the heavenly court praising the Lord continuously for his holiness. Isaiah trembled as the temple began to quake and fill with smoke. All of this caused Isaiah to reflect on his own unworthiness to be in the Lord’s presence. When Isaiah confessed his shortcoming, one of the heavenly beings came and purged it. The seraphim assured Isaiah that his iniquity had been forgiven. At this point, Isaiah heard the Lord ask for a volunteer to go as his messenger. Isaiah answered the call and Judah now had the greatest of its writing prophets called and commissioned by the Lord. Robert C. Hudson May 26, 2017