READ: Isaiah 6
Verses chosen for meditation: Isaiah 6:5, 6.
5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am
lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people
of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of
hosts!”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in
his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
REFLECT
This
chapter describes the vision of God, experienced by Isaiah which began his work
as a prophet. When reading, it is worth knowing that the Israelites then were
in rebellion against their covenant with God in wayward acts. They simply failed to
grasp the severity of their unrighteous disobedience before their Holy God.
But our God is a proactive God who still desire
to reach His people. God was willing to keep a remnant who truly repent and for
Him to rebuild with. So, God took the initial steps to send His message through
Isaiah, knowing well it would be rejected. God then prepared the prophet Isaiah
to be His messenger (v.8).
RELATE
In this chapter, the Lord has led Isaiah through a
specific process to prepare him to deliver His message to the people of Judah. In
His first preparation, the Lord showed Himself as the King on the throne, with
continuous worship by angelic beings declaring His holiness (vv.2-3). Glimpsing
the holiness of God when He appeared to him, has brought Isaiah to his knees in
a deep understanding of his own sinfulness and that of his people (v.5). This glorious revelation deeply transformed Isaiah in his outlook and mission.
Isaiah's confession was followed by the Lord's
atonement for his sin when the seraphim placed the coal from the altar on his
lips (v.6-7). In this second preparation, Isaiah went through a somewhat “deep
cleansing or purification of his sins alike”. The cleansing here was on his own
lips, assuring his guilt had been removed and sins are forgiven (symbolic of
Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection).
Our Lord scours the earth for messengers like
Isaiah to offer His truth, to speak life to those walking in rebellion and need
healing and hope. Although the prophet had been pre-warned that God’s message
would be rejected too (v.10), but he still offered his heart, mind, mouth and
feet as a messenger. God‘s
message of hope was altogether far too worthy for him to “go immediately” (v.9),
regardless of society’s response. Upon the cleansing of his lips, being purified by the Holy God,
Isaiah responded to God’s commission emphatically and without hesitation. In
readiness and fit to be used, Isaiah went forth to proclaim the essential truth
to the people of Judah.
What do these preparations mean to us today? So
often, one has to undergo God’s “deep work” or experience a “breakthrough” prior
to be used by God to fulfil a bigger assignment. Unlike Moses who had seen God but yet unwilling to respond to His call (Moses gave all kinds of excuses), Isaiah was completely submissive to His call. Isaiah was so convicted by his personal witness of God's righteousness, that God still love the people of Israel. Could we bear to see our people of not having a chance to repent and return to God again? With a contrite heart, Isaiah sensed the wonder and privilege of being used of God, the marvel of a call to serve people in need. Are we ready to be like Isaiah to use our lips for a good cause in sharing God's love?
Similarly, the late mission champion, Pastor Joseph Chean was one such person. Despite his brokenness and setback, he acceded to God’s call and gave “his best for His greatest glory”. Indeed, God has shaped Joseph’s life and relationship with Him in his early years, as part of the preparation.
Yes, when our awesome God touches our lips, we shall go forth to speak words of life. Are you ready to be His mouthpiece to bring His redemptive hope to all, regardless of acceptance or rejection?
REST
Have a listen and be challenged by Ps Joseph Chean’s powerful testimony.
https://youtu.be/pSeQRK3N-Ms?si=j-eD09Hwo252uOK2
Vincent
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