In the rich tapestry of the Old Testament, the Book of Isaiah stands out as a profound and deeply spiritual text, offering insights into the nature of God, the human condition, and the promise of salvation. One of the most compelling moments in this book is the calling of the prophet Isaiah himself, a scene that has resonated with believers for centuries due to its vivid imagery and profound theological implications.
Isaiah's calling is recounted in Isaiah 6, a chapter that begins with a majestic vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim, angelic beings, are in attendance, each with six wings: "With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying" (Isaiah 6:2, NIV). They called out to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3, NIV).
This awe-inspiring vision of God's holiness and majesty profoundly affects Isaiah. He is acutely aware of his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. Isaiah's response is one of utter humility and despair: "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 6:5, NIV).
In this moment of self-awareness and confession, something extraordinary happens. One of the seraphim flies to Isaiah with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With this burning coal, the seraph touches Isaiah's lips and says, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:7, NIV). This act of cleansing is not just a removal of Isaiah's personal sin but also a preparation for his prophetic mission. It signifies that God Himself has purified Isaiah, making him fit for the divine calling that is about to be laid upon him.
Immediately following this act of purification, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8, NIV). Isaiah's response is both immediate and wholehearted: "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8, NIV). This moment marks the official commissioning of Isaiah as a prophet. His readiness to serve, following his profound experience of God's holiness and his own purification, sets the stage for the prophetic ministry that will follow.
The touching of Isaiah's lips with the coal is rich in symbolism and meaning. In ancient cultures, the lips were often seen as the organ of speech and communication. By purifying Isaiah's lips, God was not only cleansing his sin but also sanctifying his ability to speak God's words. This act underscores the importance of purity and holiness in those who are called to be God's messengers. It also highlights the transformative power of God's grace, which can cleanse and prepare even the most unworthy for divine service.
Isaiah's calling is a powerful reminder of several key theological themes. First, it underscores the holiness of God. The vision of the Lord high and exalted, attended by seraphim who proclaim His holiness, sets the tone for the entire encounter. God's holiness is a central theme in the Book of Isaiah and is foundational to understanding the nature of God and His expectations for His people.
Second, Isaiah's response to the vision highlights the human condition. Confronted with the holiness of God, Isaiah is acutely aware of his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. This recognition of sin is a crucial step in the process of repentance and redemption. It is only when we see ourselves in the light of God's holiness that we can truly understand the depth of our need for His grace.
Third, the act of purification with the coal signifies the transformative power of God's grace. Isaiah's sin is taken away, and his guilt is atoned for, not through his own efforts but through the gracious act of God. This points to the broader theme of atonement and redemption that runs throughout the Bible. It foreshadows the ultimate act of atonement through Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, takes away the sin of the world through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Finally, Isaiah's willing response to God's call, "Here am I. Send me!" serves as a model of faithful obedience. It reminds us that God's call often comes with a cost, but it also comes with the assurance of His presence and empowerment. Isaiah's ministry would not be easy; he would face opposition, misunderstanding, and hardship. Yet, his willingness to go wherever God sent him and to speak whatever God commanded is a testament to his faith and dedication.
The story of Isaiah's calling also resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's calling and commissioning of individuals for His purposes. Throughout the Bible, we see God calling people from various backgrounds and circumstances to serve Him. Moses was called from the burning bush, Jeremiah was set apart from his mother's womb, and the disciples were called from their fishing nets. Each calling is unique, yet each follows a similar pattern of divine initiative, human response, and divine empowerment.
In the New Testament, the theme of calling continues with the calling of the apostles and the early church. The Apostle Paul, in particular, speaks frequently of his calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles. In his letters, he often emphasizes that this calling is not based on his own merit but on God's grace and purpose. For example, in Galatians 1:15-16, Paul writes, "But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being" (NIV).
The calling of Isaiah, therefore, is part of a larger biblical theme that highlights God's sovereign initiative in calling individuals to serve Him and the transformative power of His grace in preparing and empowering them for their mission. It reminds us that God's call is always accompanied by His provision and that our response should be one of humble obedience and trust.
In reflecting on Isaiah's calling, we are also invited to consider our own sense of calling and purpose. While not everyone is called to be a prophet like Isaiah, each believer is called to serve God in some capacity. The New Testament speaks of the church as the body of Christ, with each member having a unique role to play. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul writes, "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (NIV).
This passage highlights the diversity of callings within the church and the importance of each member's contribution to the overall mission of the body of Christ. It reminds us that God's call is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, each of whom has a unique role to play in God's redemptive plan.
In conclusion, the story of Isaiah's calling is a powerful and inspiring account that speaks to the nature of God, the human condition, and the transformative power of God's grace. It challenges us to recognize our own need for purification and to respond with willing obedience to God's call in our lives. As we reflect on Isaiah's experience, may we be inspired to seek God's presence, to acknowledge our own sinfulness, and to embrace the calling that He has placed on each of our lives, trusting in His grace to equip and empower us for His service.
