June 12, 2022
Sunday Sermon
WHAT WE NEED TO SERVE GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Isaiah 6:1-8
Introduction: In the beginning of verse 1, Isaiah said, “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord.”
For us, it would be like saying
“In the year that president Kennedy was shot.”
“In the year that Martin Luther King Jr. was gunned down.”
“In the year that Robert Kennedy was killed.”
“In the year that the planes hit the World Trade Center Towers.”
“In the year that the Covid-19 Pandemic came into the world.”
Or we can make it personal:
“In the year that my father died.”
“In the year that my mother died.”
Whatever it is, it is a time we will never forget.
It’s a painful time.
It’s an unusual time.
It is a life-defining time.
It’s one way we mark time.
For Isaiah it was “In the year that King Uzziah died.
During his reign the kingdom experienced economic prosperity, great military power and political influence. It’s hard to forget someone who has an influential impact on your life and suddenly dies. It’s also scary when someone has brought such prosperity and stability to your country is suddenly gone.
However, in the latter years of Uzziah’s reign, he slipped into sin and exposed a terrible flaw in his character. He was seen to be full of pride and self-importance. Shockingly, he had forced his way into the temple and assumed the role of a priest, God’s appointed intercessor. Usurping the position of a priest was a very serious offense in the eyes of God. For that reason, the LORD had afflicted Uzziah with leprosy, and he was forced to live in isolation until his death. Left with no choice, King Uzziah had to turn over his authority to his son Jotham.
Isaiah’s ministry was instituted in the year that King Uzziah died, the very period in which the utter disintegration of the nation began. Of course, the LORD knew the significance of the historical change that was taking place. He knew the desperate need of the people for a prophet who would courageously stand before them and proclaim the Word of the Living God. To this end, Isaiah was being called. He was to minister to a nation that was declining, marching ever so rapidly down the spiral of utter disintegration and ruin. WHAT WE NEED TO SERVE GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES! LET’S LOOK AT THREE INGREDIENTS TO HELP US!
I. WE NEED TO SEE WHAT ISAIAH SAW v. 1-4
A. He saw God’s position v. 1 – The LORD gave Isaiah a vision of His exaltation and majesty. The LORD was exalted as the sovereign God over all the universe: above, before, and over all that exists. Transcending everything. He was exalted above all rulers and governments throughout the world and the spiritual world.
B. He saw God’s personality v. 2-3 – The LORD gave Isaiah a vision of His holiness and glory v. 2-3. The angelic beings in the temple proclaimed the thrice holy nature of the God of Heaven. Isaiah finally understood that Uzziah might have been a good king, but the Lord was a holy God and He and He alone deserved the glory for all of life. We need to remember that God’s prime characteristics is His holiness. During discouraging times, we need to remember Who is working all things out of holiness and for the glory of His Name (James 1:17).
C. He saw God’s presence v. 4 – The LORD gave Isaiah a vision of His power and presence. “And the house was filled with smoke.” This was a symbol of God’s presence. The text says, God’s “train” filled the temple! That speaks of His robe. God was the central figure in the Temple! Isaiah was reminded rather forcefully, that Uzziah might be gone, but the Lord was still there. Even during the discouraging times in our lives, we still have the presence of God!
WHAT WE NEED TO SERVE GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES!
1. We need to see what Isaiah saw.
II. WE NEED TO SENSE WHAT ISAIAH SENSED v. 5-7
A. He sensed his own condition v. 5 – A deep conviction of unworthiness is necessary to serve the LORD. When Isaiah saw the vision of the LORD in His majesty and holiness, he instantly realized there were problems within his own heart. This is what happens when you get closer to God! Moving closer to God and seeing Him as He is, reveals the filthy, polluted, defiled, dishonorable, and corrupt sin our own lives. Isaiah probably thought all was well with his life until he saw God in His glory and holiness. He was made well aware of his shortcomings. Until we see God and realize our own condition before Him, we will remain haughty and proud, but when we see who God is and what we are, it will produce humility confession. Isaiah did not cry out “Woe is my neighbor!”. He cried out “Woe is me!” He cried out in distress, “I am undone”. Until we are able to see our own failures and our need for repentance before the Lord, we will never come clean.
B. He sensed his own cleansing v. 6-7 – We serve the sovereign God who does not just point out our sins, He also provides a plan for cleansing! With Isaiah, it was an angel with a live coal from the altar. With us, it is the precious blood of Jesus. When we go before God with repentance, we will experience His cleansing.
WHAT WE NEED TO SERVE GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES!
1. We need to see what Isaiah saw.
2. We need to sensed what Isaiah sensed.
III. WE NEED TO SAY WHAT ISAIAH SAID v. 8
A. He said “I am available” – As soon as Isaiah had been cleansed from his sins, he immediately heard the booming voice of the LORD calling for a volunteer to minister to His people. Isiah said “Here am I”, he was saying, I was discouraged when King Uzziah died, but now I am ready for service!” He was signifying that he was over the death of Uzziah, and now he was ready for service. As Christians, we need to be available for service. We need to surrender and submit ourselves to God wholeheartedly, (Rom. 12:1-2).
Isaiah’s immediate availability to the LORD reveals…
· A spirit of readiness, both a desire and a willingness to serve the LORD.
· A spirit of resolve, a determination to go and bear witness despite the difficulties.
· A spirit of trust, leaving the success and results up to the LORD.
B. He said “I am agreeable” – Isaiah not only told of His availability, but he also mentioned his agreeability! He said, “Send me” and let me go down to do what you want me to do!
WHAT WE NEED TO SERVE GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES!
1. We need to see what Isaiah saw.
2. We need to sensed what Isaiah sensed.
3. We need to say
4. what Isaiah said.
Responsive Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8
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