Bible Reading: Isaiah 6 (ESV)
Memory verse: Isaiah 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!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
Good evening, ladies, and gentlemen! Can you believe that we are already halfway through the month of November? The year, 2023, is slowly coming to an end! It is truly by God’s Grace; we have made it thus far! Dear readers, (just) because the year is about to end does not mean, all hope is lost! We are claiming all the promises God has for us, for the year! The year is not over, we have enough time for God to show up and surprise us! Do not lose your faith now! Do not give up! You are closer than you think, to receiving that breakthrough/ miracle, in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen!
Ladies and gentlemen, we are back with an exposé on the fifth verse of Isaiah chapter 6. Today, the Holy Spirit is teaching us about human nature! Yes! Before choosing God, our natural state is unworthy of His Presence because it is full of sin! Thanks be to God, who expressed His Love for us, by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to pay the price on the cross on our behalf! Thanks to that sacrifice, we are able to have direct access to the Father! Hallelujah! Mind you, Isaiah’s account was before Christ came to the earth and bore our sins on the cross! However, today’s post explores our unworthy nature as humans! Are you ready for today’s post? Let us get right into it!
The first statement Isaiah uttered is “Woe is me!” This phrase is used a few times throughout the Bible. It is an exaggerated statement to express disappointment or sadness over an issue! The prophet Isaiah quickly noticed how much he lacked as a human, standing before God. He expressed his sadness over the unforgiving sight of an unworthy being trying to gain access to the seat of the Throne of the Holy One! The use of exaggeration depicts Isaiah’s true feelings of guilt and sadness at the situation before him. What he saw didn’t warrant an explanation from God- about the reasons for His shortcomings! Isaiah could easily point out all that He lacked!
As New Testament Christians, we must pursue the Holiness agenda. Before Christ, we were unworthy, just like Isaiah in this situation! The moment we put on Christ, the price has been paid so we cannot live our lives the way we used to! There must be a difference! Just like from the verse of the day, there is a clear distinction between Holiness and the world. It does not require a lot of effort to identify this- merely being in the presence of Holiness is enough! Dear reader, we must ask ourselves an important question! Can my neighbour (meaning your friend, family member, colleague, classmate, etc.) recognise the “Holiness Agenda” when they are in your presence? Can they easily spot that there is simply something different about you? Answer these questions truthfully! If your answer is “maybe” or “no” to one (or both) question(s); it is time to go back to the drawing board and assess the condition of your heart for God! You must quickly seek a prescription from the doctor (the Holy Spirit) to treat the ailment! Thank you, Lord for Mercy! Hallelujah!
Isaiah continues to speak about how unworthy he is before God. He says “…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!” Here, Isaiah is acknowledging the fact that he has no purpose. He acknowledges that his true nature is sin-full- his reference to unclean lips show that his words are impure. Isaiah, then, acknowledges the extent to his uncleanliness and unworthiness by calling on to God as the Lord of hosts! He acknowledges that he is before a Holy and Superior being! He is humbled by the experience and reveres God by his actions/ words!
Our true nature (without Christ) is sin-full and evil! Following the ways of the world causes so much harm. We have no purpose without Christ- that is why people who keep chasing the things of the world are never satisfied. They are filled with greed and malice. They do everything possible to get what someone else has. They are never at peace and have no expected end. Their lives are filled with turmoil and malice, mostly impure thoughts. As a Child of God, you know the power our words carry! We take this for granted but it is very important! Our words