Where Are You, God? 30 First Encounters With Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 9: Isaiah - The Holy Vision

Have you ever had a moment that changed everything? For Isaiah, it happened in the year King Uzziah died—a time of national uncertainty and mourning. What began as a temple visit became a life-altering encounter with the living God.

"I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne" (Isaiah 6:1). Isaiah witnessed God's overwhelming holiness—seraphim covering their faces and feet, calling out "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3). The temple shook, smoke filled the sanctuary, and Isaiah was undone.

From Unclean to Unstoppable

"Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" Isaiah cried (Isaiah 6:5). In God's presence, his first response wasn't pride but panic—overwhelming awareness of his sinfulness before perfect holiness. But God didn't leave him there. A seraph touched his lips with a live coal from the altar: "Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:7).

The Defining Question

Then came the moment that would define Isaiah's life: "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8). God wasn't asking because He needed information—He was inviting partnership. This was heaven's recruitment call, and Isaiah responded without hesitation: "Here am I. Send me!"

Beyond National Boundaries

Isaiah's calling stretched far beyond Israel's borders. God declared: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob... I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 49:6). From the beginning, God's plan was global. Israel's fall and restoration was just the starting point—the ultimate goal was every nation experiencing God's salvation.

Light for the Nations

Isaiah's prophecies painted pictures of a coming Messiah who would bring justice to the nations, open blind eyes, and free prisoners from darkness. He saw Gentiles streaming to Jerusalem, drawn by God's light. His vision transcended ethnic and geographic boundaries, describing salvation flowing like a river to the furthest corners of the earth.

Your Holy Moment

God is still asking the same question: "Whom shall I send?" Are you willing to respond like Isaiah—moving from recognition of your unworthiness to availability for God's purposes? His cleansing makes you capable; His calling makes you unstoppable.

The same God who gave Isaiah a vision of salvation reaching the ends of the earth is still sending people today. Your "Here am I, send me" could be part of fulfilling that ancient promise.