Dear Ones:
There are certain pinnacles of history that are world-changing, life-changing. One of these occurred in the 8th century B.C. It had to do with a very knowledgeable, successful, and influential person whose name was Isaiah. In the sixth chapter of his book, we read that he had a vision of “…the Lord sitting upon His throne”….and in that vision, seraphims were crying to one another, “…Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.” (v.1, 3) The significance of this vision, and its influence upon the world cannot be underestimated. As a result of what Isaiah saw, his small and insignificant concepts of “goodness” and “holiness” were shattered. The result was that after God had blotted out the abhorent wickedness of his sin, that he would respond to the call of God, to be sent by Him into the world to declare the unsearchable riches, mercy, and truth of God. The book of Isaiah, one of the crown jewels of the Old Testament, was written because of Isaiah’s vision. The lives that have been affected throughout the centuries by this book is incalculable. The question then arises, “What is to be the effect of this vision upon me?” And, “What am I to learn from it?”
We are very familiar with the phrase, “Without a vision, the people perish.” Indeed, it is true that if we would have a right answer to life, and thus, a right response to God, we must see Him as He is. It was Job who said, “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore, I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5-6) The point here is that it is impossible to have a true vision of God as He reveals Himself in the Scriptures, and not have a change in our lives, our attitudes, our perspectives. Therefore, it is essential that we have a true vision of God. Is it possible, and how can it be?
In Isaiah’s vision, we note that the seraphim had six wings. Two thirds of their activity had to do with worship. The other third pair of wings had to do with flying…service. Jesus would tell Satan, “Thou shalt worship the Lord God, and Him only thou shalt serve.” Worship always precedes service. How can we serve God aright, if our vision of Him is skewed? Secondly, we must realize and grasp the fact that the Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” The Spirit of God takes the truths of Scripture concerning the person of Christ, and the Father, to reveal to us Who and What He is. The Spirit also strengthens us to lay hold on this vision according to the truth.
It is a fact that we become like that which we worship. Once in France, when we were doing market work, we met two brothers who adored Elvis Presley. They dressed like him, behaved like him, thus resembling him. If we are true worshippers of Christ, we shall certainly bear some likeness to Him. True worship will result in true transformation…into His image.
Isaiah’s vision of God changed him, and changed the world, as thousands and even millions have read his book. Their lives have been changed, as they too, have caught a glimpse of this vision of God in its pages. May we trust God to open our eyes to see the glory of God, and thus, be changed for His glory. “…We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image.” (2 Cor. 3:18)
Love, Dad