Isaiah 6: God Calls Isaiah to Prophecy

Introduction: Isaiah 6 is a deeply spiritual chapter that describes a divine call that the prophet Isaiah received from God. This chapter reminds us of the majesty and holiness of God, as well as the importance of responding to His call with humility and obedience. As we delve into the theological outline of Isaiah 6, we will explore the significance of Isaiah’s vision, the commission he received, and the message he was called to deliver.

I. The Vision of the Lord (Isaiah 6:1-4)
Isaiah’s vision begins with a glimpse of the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. This imagery emphasizes the greatness and sovereignty of God, as well as His presence in the midst of His people. The seraphim, heavenly beings, surround the throne and proclaim the holiness of God, declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3). This proclamation is echoed throughout the Bible, as seen in Revelation 4:8 and Psalm 99:3, which also speak of the holiness and glory of God.

II. Isaiah’s Response to the Vision (Isaiah 6:5)
Upon witnessing the vision, Isaiah is immediately struck by his own unworthiness and sinfulness. He cries out, “Woe to me!…I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). This response is a picture of true humility and repentance, recognizing the need for God’s forgiveness and grace. Similar responses can be seen in other biblical figures, such as Job (Job 42:5-6) and Peter (Luke 5:8), who also acknowledged their sinfulness in the presence of God.

III. Cleansing and Preparation for Service (Isaiah 6:6-7)
In response to Isaiah’s confession, one of the seraphim touches Isaiah’s lips with a live coal from the altar, symbolizing the purification and forgiveness of his sins. This act prepares Isaiah for the divine commission he is about to receive. The imagery of cleansing and preparation is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 51:7 and Ezekiel 36:25, where God promises to cleanse and renew His people.

IV. The Divine Commission (Isaiah 6:8-10)
After being cleansed, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah responds with a willing heart, saying, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). This call to service is a reminder that God seeks willing servants to carry out His work. The commission Isaiah receives is to deliver a message of judgment to a people who are unresponsive and hardened to the truth (Isaiah 6:9-10). This theme of a prophet being sent to a rebellious people is also seen in Jeremiah 1:5-10 and Ezekiel 2:3-7.

V. The Message of Judgment and Hope (Isaiah 6:11-13)

Isaiah is given a message of judgment, but it also contains a glimmer of hope. Though the people will face consequences for their disobedience, a remnant will remain and be restored (Isaiah 6:13). This promise of restoration points to the ultimate hope found in Christ, who brings salvation and restoration to all who believe (Romans 11:5-6 and 1 Peter 2:9-10).

Conclusion: Isaiah 6 is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God, the importance of humility and repentance, and the call to serve as messengers of His truth. Isaiah’s divine call serves as an inspiration for believers to respond to God’s call with a willing heart, to be cleansed and prepared for service, and to deliver the message of judgment and hope to a world in need of salvation. Let us, like Isaiah, answer the call with a resounding, “Here am I. Send me!”

You might be interested in exploring more about the prophet Isaiah and his divine call. Speaking of Isaiah, you might be interested in reading about him on Wikipedia’s article on the Book of Isaiah. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Isaiah’s prophecies and the historical context in which he lived. Additionally, if you want to learn more about the concept of divine commission and its significance, you can check out Wikipedia’s article on Divine Call.