In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1 WEB
In chapter six of Isaiah’s book, he transitions from offering prophecy and descriptions of God’s judgment. Here, Isaiah shares the commision he received from the Lord to speak on his behalf with the people of Israel. From this verse, we understand that Isaaih started his ministry in the year of the death of Uzziah. Additionally, Isaiah makes clear that his work as a prophet began after experiencing a vision of the Lord.
It is not clear why Isaiah waits until this point of his book to describe his credentials as a prophet. It may be that he had some form of public ministry before the death of king Uzziah. But it is most likely that the prophet simply chose to disclose the judgment of God with a rebellious nation before sharing with his readers the manner in which he received his commission.
Sin Forgiven
Two things stand out from this verse. First, the king died. Second, Isaiah sees the Lord sitting on a throne as king. Showing the highest possible status, the train of his garment filled the length of the temple. Many biblical scholars assert that Isaiah’s vision is of Christ seated as king. They bolster this claim with scripture that indicates that no mortal can see God the Father face to face and live. God said to Moses in Exodus 33:20, “You cannot see my face, for man may not see me and live. WEB”
Isaiah’s description of God and his Seraphim serves to make clear the importance of the spiritual kingdom of the Lord and the eternal throne of God. Interestingly, upon witnessing the glory of God, Isaiah realizes his own sinfulness and need of God’s grace. He said in Isaiah 6:5, “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. NIV” Before answering God’s call to serve as a prophet, Isaiah received God’s forgiveness as one of the Seraphim flew to him and said in words that evoke Christ, “your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your holy word. Thank you for correcting me with the truth of my own sinfulness. Lead me away from error with the wisdom of your word. Guide me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name – Amen
Yesterday’s Devotional: Alone
