Do you see God as far off, high above, and unapproachable (transcendent)? Or near and tender (immanent)? Isaiah’s vision teaches us to hold both together. God is exalted and holy, yet also personal.
So, how can we experience a transformational encounter with God like Isaiah did?
1. Be Afraid. (Isaiah 6:1–6)
Isaiah’s first reaction in God’s presence was fear.
He was overwhelmed by God’s holiness and his own sinfulness. And that fear isn’t wrong; it’s biblical. Scripture consistently calls us to fear God, not just respect or admire him, but have a nuanced fear. Like fire, God is good and powerful, but dangerous to approach casually.
When we only think of God as close and comforting, we lose sight of his overwhelming majesty. When we see him rightly, like Isaiah experienced him, it produces a healthy, humbling fear that leads us toward change.
To fear God…
Get to know all of God (e.g., as transcendent and immanent) through all of his Word.
Stop comparing yourself to others, and start comparing yourself to God.
Repent not only of your sins but also of your righteousness. Tim Keller, commenting on this passage, says, “The holiness of God shows you is not just the seriousness of your sin but also the sinfulness of your seriousness, of even your best efforts, of even the most moral efforts you can possibly come up with.”
2. Be Amazed (Isaiah 6:7)
Amazingly, God doesn’t destroy Isaiah. He cleanses him.
The burning coal from the altar touches Isaiah’s lips, symbolizing the removal of his guilt. That coal from the altar represents sacrifices made on that altar and ultimately points to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Isaiah does nothing but admit his sin. God does everything else. Grace isn’t earned; it’s received.
3. Be Available (Isaiah 6:8–13)
Then comes God’s call, and Isaiah doesn’t hesitate:
He volunteers before knowing the assignment, which turns out to be daunting. Isaiah’s message will be largely rejected.
Jesus’ call is daughting. He calls us to come and die. Yet in dying, we find real life in him.
True transformation always leads to surrender. God doesn’t demand perfection. God asks for availability.
Even in judgment, God offers hope. Isaiah hears that “the holy seed will be the stump in the land” (v. 13), which refers to the coming Messiah. From death, life will spring. From judgment, redemption.
