Thursday, February 5, 2009

ABC's of the Word

The verse that I choose to share with you today is one that will always cause my heart to tremble with the Holiness of the Almighty God. The "Z" word, is Uzziah. He became king of Judah at the age of 16 and served faithfully for 52 years. He restored Judah after a long period of decline. He was a successful military leader and likely a hero of his time. I imagine that when he died it would compare to the death of a US President, well respected. So, when Isaiah had this vision, it is commemorated with the recent death of the king. Thinking, still, of yesterday's writing challenge, close your eyes. Imagine the imagry of the seraphs who flew in to announce the arrival of the Lord.
And how many of us have been asked to do something (by God) that we felt unworthy to do?
I know I have. Oh, I love how Isaiah gets past his personal pride and unworthiness and answers in obedience to the Holy One who asked.

In the year that King UZZiah died,
I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings:
With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
"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."
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said,
"See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said,
"Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:1-8

7 comments:

pam said...

That scripture evokes such wonderful images in my mind. Keeping our eyes on Him we press forward. Pray you have a grand day with Him!

Peggy said...

WOW Liz...if this UZZIAH doesn't AWAKE YOUR SOUL...nothing will!

This scripture and your wonderful graphic allows us to enter in and
imagine such a time as this!

AWESOME! Inspiring! Blessings, Liz!

I love this ABC's & so looking forward to starting over at the beginning...and doing all the letters! Let's see what God brings
UZ!!!!!!!!!!!!

TeriAnnElizabeth said...

Hey Girlfriend,

I'll be flying over your city tomorrow in route to San Francisco to visit my daughter...but I have to tell you...
I think my husband and I are going to have to move near you because I am so into Matt's preaching...I'm like...thank you GOD...this guy is so getting it and so preaching it!!

I can't write it all out here, but man is he good...I'm getting your church sermons for my ipod to listen to on the plane!

Love and blessings,
Teri

Carol said...

That is such a powerful scripture, such imagery it gives me chills.

I love your writting on the beach by the way. It was beautiful. Looking forward to reading more of your challenges.

Love,
Carol

ellen b. said...

Amazing passage Liz! Love the illustration, too. Blessings...

Just A Girl said...

Hi Liz,

This is such a convicting section of scripture that keeps popping up in my week. Thanks for the gentle reminder. "Lord, here am I, send me."

The Dementia Nurse said...

I LOVE this passage. It makes me think of what it will be like when we enter the Throne Room and see Him face to face! It also reminds me of the holiness of God and our unworthiness. No need for despair, though - just like He did for Isaiah, God has a plan to make us clean enough to stand in His presence. Great post!