In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the remaining two they flew. In a great chorus they sang, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” The glorious singing shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke.
Isaiah 6:1-4 (NLT)
The church, which I serve, sits like an oasis among the car lots, homes, and rushing traffic of Highway 431. Walking around our campus, one isn’t immediately struck with awe. In comparison to other worship edifices in the immediate vicinity, ours is plain and commonplace. Yet, when I enter the sanctuary, I always sense the presence of the Lord and feel as though I am looking into the holiest of holies.
Apparently Prophet Isaiah had a similar feeling about the Temple in Jerusalem. The difference is that Isaiah experienced a vision of the Lord’s glory filling his worship center. Angels shouting praises and the haze of God’s glory could be seen everywhere. Isaiah forgot about his economic problems and everything else except his personal standing with God.
Time stood still as Isaiah observed the scene. Then, he confessed his lack of holiness and need for more of God. When God satisfied those needs with a coal from the altar, it became crystal clear to Isaiah who he was and what he had to do. He not only saw God in the Temple, Isaiah experienced God in the most personal manner. His vision of God’s throne didn’t destroy Isaiah’s personality, but underscored it. This vision didn’t destroy the national circumstances in Israel, but underscored them. Isaiah resolved to fulfill his mission.
Beneath the façade of our church there lies another power, a deeper power, immune to all that is worldly and mediocre. It is the power of the Holy Spirit, who is ready to improve and change the worshippers who come and acknowledge their lack and need. He stands ready at every moment to satisfy those needs with his sanctifying fire.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive us for being to much like the world around us. We confess our lack of holiness and ask that you grant to us a cleansing from your altar. Enable us to see you high and lifted up each time we come together to worship. Enable us to experience your power in our lives and in our world. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Let us praise God for his presence and resolve to do his will,
Pastor Smith