“It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” 8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”” Isaiah 6:2-8 NLT
Lord God Almighty,
I could not move on from this passage without looking again at Isaiah’s experience and calling. And yet he has been having visions (Isaiah 2:1) and speaking out judgements and warnings (Isaiah 3) to Judah for You God for some time. He has even spoken about restoration (Isaiah 4). But this surmounts them all.
The year that Uzziah died seems to be one of those pivotal points in history. It was an important moment for Isaiah. He moved from earthly authority to knowing he had heavenly authority. And I still wonder whether it was a real coal and if he felt its heat as it touched him! And You God, the Almighty, the maker of heaven and earth ask for him to volunteer. You do not command him, or tell him what will happen if he doesn’t take up the offer . . . What a gracious God You are.
Some tasks we just do because it is right and good and helpful for the family in Christ and those who need help. Some tasks You ask us if we will take them on. And we watch out for those moments when You ask us if we will volunteer to do something particular. Perhaps if it comes with a burning desire to say yes?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 13th July 2025
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?
Chorus
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Chorus
Lyrics: Daniel L Schutte