Isaiah 6 : 1-9a (NRSV)
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!’
Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’ And he said, ‘Go and say to this people: “Keep listening, but do not comprehend;
Daily Byte
In a nation that was in turbulence after the death of good kin Uzziah, Isaiah finds his way to the Temple. Here he is confronted with a glorious, disturbing, transforming vision of God. Notice how, although Isaiah is fearful, expecting God’s judgement, God is kind, inviting and gracious. It is clear here that although God is glorious and way beyond Isaiah’s - or our’s - attempts to understand God, the Diving Lover seeks relationship with human beings. And as Isaiah accepts God’s invitation, he is able to hear God’s call, and become a partner with God.
In what ways do you find encountering God frightening? Are there times when you expect nothing but judgement from God? When have you been surprised by God’s grace? Think about what it means that God is God - the majestic, eternal Creator of all - and yet, that God seeks relationship with you. How do you feel about this? In what ways can you offer yourself to be God’s partner today?
Pray As You Go
We would never have expected it,
but you chose us.
We would never have believed it,
but you have called us to follow you.
We would never have known it could happen,
but you have given us a place in your liberating work of salvation
We are people of unclean lips,
sinful men and women, weak and unworthy to be called by your name;
and yet, against all expectations,
not because we deserve it,
but because you are gracious and loving,
we are chosen.
Amen.
Today’s devotion is taken from Rev John van de Laar’s outstanding book ‘The Hour That Changes Everything: How worship forms us into the people God wants us to be.’ Used with permission.
To order copies of this book and for other superb worship resources visit http://www.sacredise.com
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