020. II. Isaiah’s Call To Service (Isaiah 6)

II ISAIAH’S CALL TO SERVICE (Isaiah 6) The vision in the temple (Isaiah 6:1-3). Just after the death of my once-revered sovereign, Uzziah, while meditating in the temple on the outlook before my beloved people, I suddenly found myself standing in the very presence of Jehovah, enthroned in majesty, his ample robes seeming to fill the space before me. Around him stood a retinue of heavenly beings, veiling in deep reverence their faces and forms, while they joined in continual praise of his holiness, power, and glory. His confession of sin and forgiveness (Isaiah 6:4-7). My first impression was one of fear. The thresholds trembled at the sound of their voices; before my profane eyes a protecting veil of mist arose. I longed to unite my praises with those of the heavenly choir, but a sense of my unworthiness checked me, and I said: “Alas! I dare not take the holy name upon my lips, for this vision of my heavenly sovereign reveals to me my own sin and that of my people.” No sooner had I uttered this confession than I was given a glad assurance of forgiveness and atonement. A seraph touched my lips with a glowing coal from the altar, assuring me that they were now cleansed. His call (Isaiah 6:8-9a). At once I seemed to hear Jehovah saying, “Who will be our messenger to men?” and with joy I offered myself for the service. Then he uttered this depressing word: “I appoint you, indeed, to declare my will to this people. The effect of his preaching upon his obdurate countrymen (Isaiah 6:9-13a). Do not overestimate, however, the effect of your preaching. The great mass of your countrymen will refuse to listen to you. Nay, the more earnestly you plead, the more will their obstinacy deaden their capacity to receive spiritual impressions. Your work will seem disheartening and fruitless.” Appalled by this prospect, I said: “Surely, O Jehovah! there will be a limit to this stubborn unbelief;” but in reply I received a message which wrung my heart: “Not until Jehovah’s desolating judgment of war and captivity has been enforced against this sinful land. Even when only a tenth of the people remains, the judgment must be repeated, until nothing is left of the stately tree of Judah but an unsightly stump.” A ray of hope (Isaiah 6:13b). One blessed ray of hope was given me: “As the stump of the oak tree retains its vitality and sends up shoots, which form a new tree, so will it be with Judah. The faithful servants of Jehovah, though few in number, will survive the judgment, and grow again into a people fitted to carry out God’s great plan.”