Emphasize the importance of recognizing and understanding God's presence in our lives, which enables us to transcend our limitations and rely on His divine power.
Good morning, church family! Today, we dive deep into the book of Isaiah, chapter 6, where we find a powerful vision of God's presence. We are reminded of the importance of seeing God, and how it pushes us to move beyond our own resources and limitations.
Before we start, let me share these words with you from A.W. Tozer, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." This quote reminds us of the significant impact that our perception of God has on our lives, which is what we’re discussing today.
So, let's turn our Bibles to Isaiah 6:
Seeing God's presence is not about physically seeing God, but rather about recognizing His divine intervention, guidance, and love in our lives. When we truly see God's presence, we become aware of His sovereignty, His holiness, and His grace, which in turn, influences our actions, decisions, and overall outlook on life.
Isaiah describes his vision of God's presence: He saw the Lord "high and exalted," seated on a throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. This image of God's grandeur and majesty underscores His supreme authority and power. It is a reminder that God is the ultimate ruler of the universe, and that His plans and purposes will always prevail. When we see God's presence in this light, we are compelled to submit to His will and trust in His divine plan, even when we do not fully understand it.
God's holiness: The seraphim, heavenly beings, were calling out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." This threefold repetition of the word "holy" emphasizes God's absolute purity and perfection. It is a call to recognize God's distinctiveness and separateness from all that is sinful and flawed. Seeing God's presence in this way challenges us to strive for holiness in our own lives. It pushes us to turn away from sin and seek righteousness, knowing that we serve a holy God who calls us to be holy as He is holy.
Acknowledging His grace: In the passage, Isaiah confessed his sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. He said, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Yet, instead of being condemned, Isaiah experienced God's grace. A seraphim touched his mouth with a live coal from the altar, symbolizing the purification of his sins. This act of grace led Isaiah to respond to God's call with a willing heart, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" When we see God's presence and experience His grace, we are moved to respond in obedience and service.
Not a passive act: It’s an active engagement with God that transforms us from the inside out. It is about recognizing God's sovereignty, holiness, and grace, and allowing these truths to shape our lives. It is about moving beyond our own resources and limitations, and depending on God's strength and wisdom. It is about responding to God's call with a willing and obedient heart.
Helps us to understand His holiness: When we truly see God, we are confronted with His holiness, which in turn illuminates our own sinfulness and need for His grace ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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