We listen, we see and experience the evil and darkness intrude and usurp our freedom and destroy biblical principles that were the hallmark of our great nation. It is easy to point the finger at all that is wrong and speak words of condemnation, and rightfully so. God’s moral law and his gospel are being suppressed to everyone’s detriment.
Isaiah 1-5 speaks harshly against Judah’s wickedness. They are rebellious, corrupt and despise God. He rants for some time; then something life changing takes place. Isaiah 6:1, 3, 5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.And they were calling to one another: “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah was allowed to see the glory and holiness of Almighty God, something very few people were permitted to experience. It would indeed be frightening and beyond our wildest imaginations. The more I read about God in the bible and view his creation the larger he becomes in terms of power, intelligence, purity and a love for us that is impossible to comprehend.
What affect did this vision have upon Isaiah? As mentioned earlier he railed for five chapters against his sinful nation and the judgment they should anticipate. Now in the presence of Almighty God he is utterly overwhelmed by his own guilt. Yes, Isaiah was far more righteous than most of his nation, but in the presence of God’s perfect holiness he is struck with his own unholiness. He sees his ‘good’ life is filth compared to God’s requirement of a sinless life to enter heaven.
We too may not join in the sins of our nation, but we too fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) and deserve his eternal judgment.
Isaiah experienced forgiveness and cleansing from a burning coal taken from the altar of sacrifice. Today we are cleansed and forgiven by the blood of the sacrifice from the altar of the cross. By placing faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone we are forgiven, by God’s grace.
How do you view yourself, and are you washed in the blood of Jesus Christ?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way: Today 4:30, Confirmation
Sunday 6, 9:00 Morning worship. Sermon: Encountering the Divine
10:15 Sunday school for all ages.
February 13, 10:20 annual meeting following worship.
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Brighteon.com a site great information not seen elsewhere. https://www.brighteon.com/3f64ee04-b547-4ecc-89e2-bfd91881cc9c
