A revelation of God’s grace and compassion propels us to proclaim him to the nations.

1In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” . . . 5And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost. . . .” 6Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal . . . 7And he touched my mouth and said: “. . . Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” 8And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:1–3, 5–8)

In the year of Uzziah’s death, Isaiah entered the temple. He saw God there, high and exalted, and seated on a throne. His robe filled the temple. In the ancient Near East, monarchs displayed their greatness through the splendor of their garments. The fullness of God’s garment was so great that it filled the entire temple.

Two seraphim called to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” The word holy here signifies a beauty so fierce it steals your breath away. A holiness so beautiful and desirable that it is worth any price.

We look for glimpses of such beauty in this world. Think of the Tower of London, which showcases the world’s largest collection of crown jewels. A moving walkway carries visitors past diamonds, emeralds, rubies—more than 23,000 gemstones set in crowns, scepters, jewelry, and more. It is stunning beyond words. But it is nothing next to the beauty of God’s holiness.

This was Isaiah’s first revelation about God. His second revelation was about himself: “Woe is me! For I am lost.” When we see the God of the Mission, we see ourselves in contrast. And it is a devastating disclosure.

Confronted with perfect holiness, Isaiah saw the full depth of his sin. He had no defense and no plan for self-improvement, only the expectation of wrath. But when the seraph touched his lips with a burning coal, there was no judgment, only mercy. “Your guilt is taken away. Your sin is atoned for.” One moment after Isaiah realized he was more wicked than he ever knew, he discovered he was more loved than he ever imagined.

This gospel revelation changed him. He volunteered for service before knowing the job description, and historical tradition tells us he was sawn in two—a brutal death. But when we meet the God of the Mission, there is nothing too great he can ask of us. We will go anywhere and do anything at whatever cost. Is there anything holding you back from giving your all for the Great Commission?

ADDITIONAL READING

Exodus 34:6–7; Ezekiel 1:26–28; Luke 5:8–10; Acts 9:3–6

REFLECTION

Isaiah saw God’s holiness and was overwhelmed by his own sin, yet God cleansed him and commissioned him. A true encounter with God not only humbles us but also sends us. How has God’s grace in your life prepared you to share his message with others?

ACTIVATION

Take time this week to reflect on God’s holiness. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area of sin in your life. Just as Isaiah responded in repentance, confess and receive God’s mercy. Write down one step you will take to walk in greater holiness.

PRAY

Lord, you are high and lifted up, enthroned above all, clothed in majesty. The whole earth is filled with your glory. Your holiness is dazzling and beautiful. We glimpse it and tremble. We are undone. Like Isaiah, we see ourselves in the light of your perfect holiness—sinful and unworthy. We have no excuse and no defense. Only your mercy. You touch our lips, burn away our guilt, and call us to go.

With hearts transformed by grace, we hear you say: “Whom shall I send?” And though we do not know the road ahead, we say, “Here we are. Send us.”

Remove every hesitation, fear, and earthly attachment that holds us back, and make us bold to speak for the sake of your name.