Calling Of Isaiah

In the realm of biblical prophecy, few figures have had as profound an impact as Isaiah, whose calling by God set the stage for a lifetime of proclaiming messages of judgment, hope, and redemption to the people of Israel. The story of Isaiah’s calling, as recorded in the sixth chapter of the book that bears his name, is a masterpiece of biblical literature, offering insights into the nature of prophetic ministry, the character of God, and the human condition.

The narrative begins with Isaiah finding himself in the presence of God, an experience that is both exhilarating and terrifying. The year is approximately 740 BCE, a time of great upheaval in the ancient Near East, with the Assyrian Empire expanding its territories and posing a significant threat to Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel. It is within this geopolitical context that Isaiah’s prophetic career commences, marked by a vision of the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, with His robes filling the temple.

This inaugural vision is pivotal, as it establishes the theme of God’s majesty and transcendence, which would become a hallmark of Isaiah’s prophetic message. The presence of seraphim, six-winged creatures that attend the Lord and cry “Holy, holy, holy” in reverence, underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God, emphasizing His separateness from humanity and the necessity of purification for those who would approach Him.

Isaiah’s immediate response to this vision is one of profound self-awareness and humility, as he exclaims, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” This acknowledgment of personal and corporate sinfulness is a critical element in the prophet’s calling, as it highlights the need for moral and spiritual cleansing before one can effectively serve as a messenger of God.

The seraphim’s action of taking a live coal from the altar and touching it to Isaiah’s mouth, thereby purifying his lips, symbolizes the divine initiative in cleansing and enabling the prophet for his role. This act of purification is not merely a symbolic gesture but a transformative experience that equips Isaiah to receive and proclaim God’s message. The coal, as a symbol of judgment and purification, signifies the refining process through which both the prophet and the people must pass to be made fit for God’s service.

Following his purification, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord, asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” The prophet’s response, “Here I am! Send me,” is a model of obedient surrender, demonstrating his willingness to be used by God despite the challenges and uncertainties of the prophetic task. This exchange between God and Isaiah encapsulates the essence of the prophetic calling, which involves a deep sense of vocation, a willingness to serve, and a trust in the sovereignty of God.

The commission that Isaiah receives is daunting, as he is instructed to preach a message that will largely fall on deaf ears. God tells him, “Go, and say to this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’” This directive seems counterintuitive, as the traditional understanding of prophetic ministry emphasizes the role of the prophet in guiding the people toward repentance and righteousness. However, in the context of Isaiah’s calling, this command highlights the sovereignty of God and the hardness of human hearts, suggesting that even the most compelling prophetic message may not always elicit the desired response.

The remainder of Isaiah’s prophecy is a testament to his faithfulness in fulfilling his divine commission, despite the challenges and disappointments he encounters. Through a series of oracles, parables, and historical narratives, Isaiah conveys a complex and nuanced message that balances judgment and hope, warning of the consequences of disobedience while envisioning a future of restoration and redemption.

In conclusion, the calling of Isaiah offers profound insights into the nature of prophetic ministry, the character of God, and the human condition. Isaiah’s experience underscores the importance of humility, purification, and obedience in the service of God, while his prophetic message continues to resonate with readers today, offering a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy.

Understanding the Prophet’s Role

• Prophetic Ministry: The role of the prophet involves serving as a messenger of God, conveying divine messages to the people.
• Purification and Preparation: Before fulfilling his role, the prophet must undergo a process of purification and preparation, as exemplified by Isaiah’s experience with the seraphim.
• Obedience and Surrender: The prophet’s response to God’s call must be characterized by obedience and surrender, as seen in Isaiah’s declaration, “Here I am! Send me.”

The Significance of Isaiah’s Message

• Judgment and Hope: Isaiah’s prophecy strikes a balance between messages of judgment and hope, reflecting the complexity of God’s nature and the human condition.
• Sovereignty of God: The narrative of Isaiah’s calling emphasizes God’s sovereignty, highlighting His initiative in purification, commissioning, and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes.
• Human Response: The prophetic message, as delivered by Isaiah, invites a response from humanity, whether in repentance, obedience, or disobedience, underscoring the importance of human agency and responsibility.

FAQs

Practical Applications

• Humility and Self-Awareness: Isaiah’s experience underscores the importance of humility and self-awareness in approaching God and fulfilling one’s calling.
• Purification and Holiness: The narrative highlights the necessity of purification and the pursuit of holiness for those who would serve God.
• Obedience and Faithfulness: Isaiah’s faithfulness in the face of adversity serves as a model for readers, emphasizing the importance of obedience and perseverance in fulfilling one’s divine commission.