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When was the last time that you recognized your sinfulness before the holy God? How did this experience lead you to tell others of God’s comfort and grace? A profound sense of our sinfulness and God’s gracious forgiveness should always result in worship, which becomes our greatest witness to the world.
When the prophet Isaiah came face-to-face with God’s kingship and holiness, he came to a deeper understanding of his sinfulness and God’s forgiveness. This profound experience led him to go where God sent him while remaining firm in faith and speaking of the Lord’s salvation. Isaiah learned several important lessons in his vision of the Lord (Isa. 6:1–7). First, there is no one so great, glorious, and holy as the King of kings, the Lord God, the Holy One of the entire earth. Second, God’s holiness is not just a characteristic of His being but is also a comprehensive summary of who He is. Third, His dominion is over the entire world. Fourth, every person is a sinner in need of salvation. Finally, God provides atonement for the sins of His people.
After teaching Isaiah that the holy King cannot tolerate the sinfulness of His people and that He alone would provide the way of salvation, God sent His prophet to His people with a message of both judgment and hope (6:8–13). Isaiah’s first speaking engagement is with Ahaz, king of Judah (7:1–9). Driven by fear instead of faith, Ahaz turned to the king of Assyria for help instead of turning to the Lord (see 2 Kings 16:5–9). Mercifully, the Lord sent Isaiah to Ahaz with a message of God’s faithfulness. In the face of fierce danger, Ahaz was to flee fear and faintheartedness and stand firm in faith, believing God’s word to be true (Isa. 7:4). Although Ahaz’s pride prevailed (v. 12), the Lord graciously gave him a sign as a token and a pledge that another King would shatter his enemies (vv. 14–17).
We, too, know how difficult it is to recognize our sinfulness before the holy God and stand firm in faith in the face of fear. When a friend hurts us, we’re tempted to be angry and bitter. When our spouse sins against us, we’re tempted to withhold forgiveness. When our adult child walks away from the faith, we’re tempted to question God’s purposes. When our comfort is threatened, we’re tempted to be irritable. During such times, it’s important to remember who is on the throne. Our great King is holy and has dominion over the whole world. Therefore, we can trust Him. It’s also important to remember that recognizing our sinfulness is a good thing. God is revealing to us our need of salvation. Thankfully, He has provided a Savior in His Son. When He brings us from darkness to light, let us be faithful to proclaim His Word and His works to others, firm in faith, with eyes on the thrice-holy King.