Thursday, September 22, 2011

Isaiah 6:1-8

What’s happening in Isaiah 6?


We see worship which was off-centered: Isaiah 6:1 Israel and the people of God, including Isaiah, were distracted by the prosperous and popular reign of King Uzziah. He had been King for 52 years. Fifty Two Years...get that. Imagine living under the rule and reign of one King for most or all of your life. In 2 Chronicles 26 you can read of all his accomplishments. He was an amazing King - for most of his reign. Until he became prideful and thought he could do no wrong.
......The people under his reign had taken their eyes off of God. How easy it is to get our eyes off God. How easy to be consumed with pride, with complacency, with pleasing others more than God. They were worshipping Uzziah, an earthly King...more than the Lord, the heavenly King.

We see praise which was over-due: Isaiah 6:3-4 I’m not suggesting we should expect to see what Isaiah saw every time we worship. But the point was clear: If the people weren’t going to praise Him...the Seraphim would. As the seraphim cried out, Isaiah saw the temple shake...and then it was filled with smoke. The shaking points out the presence and power of God. The smoke represented the cloud of glory which the children of Israel had witnessed as they wandered in the wilderness. ...For 52 years the people of God had lived without acknowledging God. The cloud in the temple was a real and fearful reminder. An entire generation died in the wilderness because they ignored God.
......When was the last time you praised the Lord? Genuine, unhindered praise? Most of us never get there. Most of us are uncomfortable expressing our praise to God. Most of us are too concerned about what others think. And some of us are critical of those who do praise Him. When have you praised him for your health – your family – your salvation – your home – food, clothing, and shelter? ...Don’t be critical of others when they praise the Lord. Michal...David’s wife criticized his praise and mocked him ...and God caused her to be barren all the days of her life.

We see Isaiah who was un-done: Isaiah 6:5, 8 Put yourself in his shoes. The only King he had ever known was dead but suddenly he was overcome by the presence of the living King! In verse 5 he cries out, “Woe is me!” Ever felt like saying out loud, “Lord, I’m a sinner...Lord, I believe...Lord, You got me!?” In verse 8 he is willing to do whatever God says, “Here I am send me!” He cried out then he stepped out. He spoke up then he stood up. His grief over Uzziah’s death was drowned out by his gratitude over the living Lord! Wow.
......In God’s presence you’ll see things you never expected to see. We see God. We see ourselves. Like looking in a mirror, we see it all. In His presence our church clothes are stripped away – Our wealth and worth...our name and notoriety are unimportant in His presence. All pretense and pride is erased and all that’s left is a barren soul.

One Hope

My latest book, One Hope, will be available next week. It's a brief volume covering the events surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Lazarus. Our communities are filled with folks who live without hope. I trust this book will be a source of encouragement to anyone who is going through a season of despair.

If you're interested in getting a copy, you can email me at michael-mason@charter.net. The cost is $10 plus shipping or you can pick one up at Trinity Baptist.