Echoes of Holy Otherness (Isaiah 6:2-8)

The Seraphim bore witness to it. "Holy Holy Holy," they cried, and their revelation shook the foundations of the temple. The scene was heavy. The temple dripped with holiness. All senses were heightened for the what was about to transpire. For this was it. This is the story. Sinful humanity standing before the Holy Lord. Humanity was unraveled, humanity was undone. The chasm was infinitely great. There was admission of guilt. There was a recognition of sin. There was deep confession. There was painful repentance. There was a desire to humble oneself. There was a desire to submit. There was a desire to follow.

The canyon was uncrossable by humanity. It was utterly unfathomable how far we strayed. Humanity looks over the ledge in a deflated spirit. Humanity looks over the ledge and is desperate. No way for humanity to bridge the gap. No way for that which is unholy to be made holy. Isaiah is left to depression and angst. There was a breaking point before the Wholly Other. No human could withstand the Lord's holy presence. There was instant death on the spot for any creature that breathed unholy breaths. The only chance was the Lord's issuing forth mercy and grace to be able to withstand the intimate encounter. And that is exactly what the Lord did!

So rejoice with me! Rejoice with your whole life. Rejoice in the morning when you rise. Rejoice with me when you go to bed. The Lord is merciful to me, the sinner! The Lord provides for Isaiah, like He provides for you and I. Look at the frustration and the dark pit of your sin. The chasm testifies against you. The Judge could condemn, but the Judge chose to forgive! Therefore worship the One who gives and the One who takes away. Worship the One who meets us in our brokenness. Blessed be His name. For He is holy, holy holy.

Hear the good news today all who stand as condemned sinners. Hear and respond with Isaiah. For today the Lord seeks to touch the burning coal to your lips. He wishes to whisper redemption in your ears. Your iniquity, your guilt, your sin, He is ready and willing to wash them away. Drink deeply from His cup today. Hunger deeply for the bread that nourishes today. Today is the day the Lord has made. May we see our Lord in a new light today.

A burning coal touched to human lips with mercy and grace. Behold, God reaches down to earth to touch you. He whispers 7 times 70. He whispers forgiveness. He whispers redemption. He whispers that your guilt is miraculously taken away. He whispers that your sins are forgiven. So hear His voice again today my brothers and sisters. Let His voice wash over you. Be still and know God. And walking with Him, respond and say, "my life is Yours, You are my Savior, You are my Lord, You are my Master. I will praise You with my life."