Chapter 656 of 1163

ISAIAH 6

Sight: he saw the Lord (1–4). Isaiah had a life-changing vision of Jesus Christ (John 12:38–41). The throne of Judah had changed occupants, but God was still on His throne and in perfect control of everything. When you worship, focus on God’s holiness, sovereignty, and glory. When things on earth are discouraging, start looking at things from heaven’s point of view.

Insight: he saw himself (5–7). Isaiah had pronounced woes on other people, but now he cried, “Woe is me!” He admitted that he was a sinner, he confessed his sin, and the Lord cleansed him. Were it not for the sacrifice on the altar, we could never approach the throne.

Vision: he saw the need (8–13). True worship leads to service. You hear God’s call, and you respond with obedience. God did not send Isaiah to a receptive people or give him an easy message to preach. But when you have seen the Lord and felt His touch, you can obey His will without fear.

His Majesty

“Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God,” wrote John Calvin. This was true not only of Isaiah but also of Job (Job 42:5–6), Daniel (Dan. 10:16–17), Peter (Luke 5:8), and John (Rev. 1:17).

He Shall Be Immanuel

Isaiah 7–12 is sometimes called the “Book of Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14; 8:8, 10). Immanuel means “God with us.” God gave this prophecy to the whole “house of David” (Isa. 7:13) and not just to King Ahaz; it refers ultimately to the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:18–25). He is God, and He is “God with us.”

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