Isaiah 6: In the Presence of God
NO ONE ALIVE today would go into a nuclear reactor without protective clothing. In a similar way, during Old Testament times merely being in the presence of God was regarded as being fatal. In this chapter Isaiah comes before the presence of God. He is so overcome by the experience that he cries out, "Woe to me!" God is gracious to Isaiah, however, and gives him a special mission. Through this famous story we will learn something about God's call to us also.
Warming Up to God
When have you been confronted with the reality of God's surpassingly great holiness? How did you respond?
Read Isaiah 6. »
Discovering the Word
- Uzziah's long and prosperous reign came to an end under a cloud (see 2Ch 26:16-21). What do you think was Isaiah's purpose in verse 1 in describing God as occupying the throne?
- Describe in your own words, as vividly as possible, what Isaiah saw (vv. 2-4).
- What is the significance of Isaiah's cry in verse 5, especially his reference to his own and his people's lips?
- What wonderful answer did Isaiah get to his cry of pain (vv. 6-7)?
- In verses 8-10 Isaiah receives his call and commission. If we follow the punctuation very carefully, it appears that verse 9 is what Isaiah is to tell the people and verse 10 is God's summary of what will happen. Describe what Isaiah's ministry will be like.
- Isaiah's surprisingly cool response to this commission is to inquire how long he should continue (v. 11). What is God's answer to this question (vv. 11-13)?
Applying the Word
- What does this chapter tell you about what it means to be called by God and the kind of response God requires?
- What is God calling you to?
Responding in Prayer
Picture yourself in this scene in the presence of God. Respond to his holiness with worship and praise.
For Further Study
Portraits of God: A Biblical Theology of Holiness by Allan Coppedge