What happens when you truly encounter the holiness of God?
In this message from Isaiah 6:1–8, we walk through Isaiah’s encounter with the Holy One and the four-step progression that follows: Seen, Realized, Paid, and Sent.
Isaiah first sees God in His glory and realizes just how far he falls short of God’s holiness. But instead of leaving Isaiah in his guilt and shame, God provides a way for his sin to be cleansed. The coal from the altar touches Isaiah’s lips, his guilt is taken away, and he is then sent out by God.
This points us to the gospel of Jesus. Jesus is the One who came down to us, paid the price for our sin, and makes us clean. Because of what Jesus has done, our past and our shortcomings do not have to disqualify us from being used by God.
The message challenges us to consider four questions:
Have you seen the Holy One?
Have you realized how far short you fall of Him?
Have you allowed Jesus to pay the deficit?
Will you allow Him to send you?
We are not responsible for controlling what happens when we share the gospel. We are called to plant the seed and trust God with the results. Even the people Isaiah preached to often refused to listen, yet God still used Isaiah’s faithfulness.
Your past may be the very thing you think disqualifies you, but God can use your story and your testimony for His glory.
Seek God. Let Him forgive you. And allow Him to use the very thing you once felt ashamed of for His glory.