This is the story of Isaiah's vision in the temple and his calling and commissioning as a prophet. At first, this story seems inaccessible. It's not like we're all seeing heavenly beings flying around all the time. So this raises all sorts of questions. And maybe we don't have answers to some, or all of those questions! But the story is still worth thinking through. So in examining it, we're going to notice some things.

First, this story seems to be telling us that God is a God of encounter. God actually shows up. "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord." God shows up in a time of chaos - crisis. I wonder, as we look at our world, personal, political, cultural, what does it mean for God to show up? Scripture and the witness of others tells us that God does show up - that God is a God of encounter.

Next, this story seems to tell us that worship is dangerous. "Woe to me!" A hot coal touches his lips. Transformation happens. What would happen if we came to worship trusting in the power of this vision? How do we feel about forgiveness being painful? Are we ready for change? Do we want transformation?

Finally, this story measures success differently than we do. God chooses Isaiah to speak the truth. The truth is so real and raw and reorienting that people won't want to hear it. They choose not to hear it. And they walk away. Success here isn't popularity and a mega church. The promise here is a stump, a remnant, a holy seed. It might not be much, but it will be just enough. Do we dare trust in the God of tiny seeds?

Speaker: Aaron Vis

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-13

https://www.bible.com/events/49389384