Isaiah saw the Lord in all his holiness and power in the year that king Uzziah died. This was a time of uncertainty. Fear of the unknown gripped the hearts of the nation. Countries were warring all around Judah and their own future was ominous. Uzziah was a good king and represented a certain degree of certainty for Judah. As long as they had their king things would be okay. Then he died.
It’s striking that it’s during this time of great fear and uncertainty that God reveals himself to the prophet. Not only that, but also that God reveals his holiness and power. More than anything else, in times like these, we need to be reminded of God’s holiness and power.
There are two kings in this passage: Uzziah and Yahweh. Uzziah is dead, but Yahweh is still very much alive. We must not put our faith in princes, but in the Lord of Heavens Armies.
He is holy. He is set apart from human kings and the powers of this world. Our existence is marked with fear and uncertainty, but his isn’t. Again, he’s set apart.
After God reveals himself to Isaiah, Isaiah hears a call to servanthood. “We need someone to go and speak for us!” It is during times like this that the Christian testimony comes through clear. It is during times like these that the church must live up to the calling which it has received and guide a confused and scared world to the holy and powerful Yahweh.
Will you go as Isaiah went? Will you be a banner of love, peace, joy and kindness during times like these? How else will the world know that God is holy and powerful if he people don’t embody that reality? Without holiness no one will see the Lord. These uncertain times are not a threat, but an opportunity.