Isaiah 6:1-13
Q.1. When was Isaiah given his vision of the exalted Lord? How did the vision give him a new view of life? What did he re-learn about God’s character? – (Isa.6:1-4)
Isaiah ministered after the successful fifty-two-year reign of King Uzziah (2 Chr.26:3). However, the nation continued to compromise its relationship with God, by straying from His paths (Isa.1:4, 21). Here Isaiah recalled his sacred call to minister to Israel, when in a vision he was reminded of the supreme holiness of God – 1 … I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isa.6:1-3 c.f. Rev.4:5). The contrast between the sinfulness of the nation and the glory and almightiness of God could not have been starker.
Q.2. How did the vision impact Isaiah? Why was he given the vision? What did God do to prepare him for his ministry? How did the prophet respond? – (Isa.6:5-8)
Not only did Isaiah’s perspective change about how far Israel had offended God, but he also became acutely aware of his own uncleanness. This caused him to cry out – … Woe is 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 hosts (Isa.6:5). You cannot minister faithfully, without accepting God’s greatness and your own unworthiness. Isaiah’s call came only after his own guilt was dealt with – … Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven (Isa.6:7). Then the TRIUNE God extended the call – Whom shall I send, and who will go for US? (Isa.6:8). Many have received such a call from God. Isaiah responded even before the mission was explained – Here am I. Send me! (Isa.6:8).
Q.3. Was Isaiah promised success? How would his ministry break his heart? Would the prophet’s ministry have any encouragement? – (Isa.6:9-13)
After Isaiah’s response, God spelt out his difficult assignment that the nation would not accept – 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: `Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and return and be healed.” (Isa.6:9-10). Isaiah was horrified and asked God how long he was to proclaim his message. He was told, not only that his mission would not succeed, but that it would not end – Until the Lord has removed His people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land (Isa.6:12). This church age will end similarly. However, Isaiah was given hope for a future recovery – … Like a terebinth or oak leaves its stump when it is felled, so the holy seed will grow from its stump (Isa.6:13). Isaiah went on to prophecy about the restoration of God’s people – Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit … Then in that day the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, who will stand as a signal for the peoples; and His resting place will be glorious (Isa 11:1 & 10).