September 19

Earth Crammed With Heaven

And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” — Isa 6:3 BSB

The prosperity of King Uzziah’s reign seems to have weakened the moral fabric of the nation; a deep-seated corruption was eating away at its core. Fifty years of unbroken prosperity and wealth had led to a moral decay that filled the prophet Isaiah with despair. It was in this state of mind that Isaiah entered the Temple. The sight of the ceremonial offerings, the chanting choirs, and the priests and Levites only stirred his spirit further.

The Vision (Isa 6:1-4): In that moment, the limitations of the earthly Temple faded away, and Isaiah became aware of the heavenly worship of the Seraphim. With faces veiled before the majesty of God, clothed in humility, and ready for instant obedience, they sang in alternating chants, each inspiring the other to greater reverence and praise.

This vision offers a powerful lesson for us. How different is this scene from our often lethargic worship and delayed obedience! Though God is our Father through Jesus Christ, do we combine proper reverence with our childlike trust? Are we not too often glib in our prayers, failing to realize the need for pure hearts and clean hands as we approach Him?

The Call (Isa 6:5-8): The humble confession of sin is also necessary for us. The Seraphim knew there was only one solution—the coals from the altar, which had absorbed the blood of the sacrifice and were glowing with purifying heat. These coals brought cleansing and inspiration, removing all obstacles to Isaiah’s call to service.

The Commission (Isa 6:9-13): Isaiah was warned not to expect immediate success. Though only faint glimmers of light would shine through the darkness, he was to persist in his message, trusting in God’s plan.

Prayer

Great and Holy God, cleanse our hearts, speech, and actions through the Blood shed on Calvary and the Fire of Your Spirit, that we may be fit for Your holy service. Cleanse, call, and commission us! Amen.