I Saw the Lord
by John Sainsbury
Chapter 6 of Isaiah’s amazing prophecy is a really key chapter in the book that bears his name. In it, Isaiah describes an amazing encounter with the LORD, which would profoundly change the whole course of his life.
I wonder how many of us could say we have experienced a direct encounter with God on this scale. (Have a look at this passage at the beginning of Isaiah 6. It truly is incredible). But, if we’ve become followers of Jesus, surely in some way, shape or form, we too have had an encounter with the living God, and it has reshaped our lives.
As we read these opening verses, we see something which does not need to simply be a one-off experience, but is something which has the potential to keep reinvigorating our walk with Jesus.
It all begins with a vision of God (Isaiah 6:1-4). I’m not sure many of us are likely to see God in the way Isaiah did. But, as we focus on God, reflecting on the work of Jesus dying in our place, or the incredible wonders of the created world, through experiencing times of deep worship, or in many other ways, we too can receive a fresh vision of God. As with Isaiah, we see who God truly is, and that leads us to the next stage. It’s is an acknowledgement of our own unworthiness before Him (Isaiah 6:5). How can we not see ourselves as we truly are when we glimpse who He truly is? This then is the trigger for our own cleansing.
Isaiah received his cleansing in the form of a live coal which touched his lips (Isaiah 6:6-7). For us it could be through taking communion, and remembering that Jesus died in our place. He took upon Himself our sin, causing us to be cleansed and renewed.
Then comes the final instalment in the process. For Isaiah, it was his commissioning (Isaiah 6:8-13). We also have received a commission from God (Matthew 28:18-20). Like Isaiah, we are called to be God’s representatives to our family, our neighbours, our colleagues, our friends, and indeed to all people, by seeking to share the good news of Jesus and encouraging others to become His disciples too.
Isaiah 6 may have been a totally wonderful, one-off experience for Isaiah, but it’s one that we are all called to share in, to some degree.
John Sainsbury and his wife Sue are part of the leadership team at Ellel Grange. John has served as a church leader for many years, most recently as Lead Pastor of the Garstang Free Methodist Church. He has a passion for seeing many brought into the fulness of life that following Christ brings.
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