December 12, 2012

Isaiah 6:1-8

"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple.  Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.  And one called to another and said:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory."

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!"

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!"

            Traditionally known as the story of God's call to the prophet, these verses from the sixth chapter of Isaiah form the framework of our order of worship on Sunday morning.  The scene begins with a vision of the glory and presence of God which is appropriately accompanied by songs of praise from the mouths of angels.  In the midst of God's glory, the prophet can only confess his unworthiness, and offer a heartfelt prayer of confession.  Immediately, absolution is granted, the prophet's sins are blotted out, making him ready to worship and serve God.  Worship, be it in the congregation of God's people, in the privacy of our own home, or as we read a devotional on our computer, tablet, or smart phone is an opportunity to bask in the glory and presence of God. It is also an opportunity to admit our unworthiness, fully confident of God's forgiving and renewing grace. Perhaps these brief moments can be such a time of worship for us through which we will be reminded of God's amazing grace and prepared for God's service.

 

            Prayer:

                        Loving and Gracious God, you are awesome in power and your glory is beyond our comprehension.  During our Advent journey, we pray that you will bless us with a glimpse of your glorious presence as you did the prophet, Isaiah, that we, too, may pause, give you praise, receive your forgiveness, and find the courage to serve as your faithful people.  Amen.