Isaiah’s Response to God’s Glory

Uzziah was a godly king who ruled for a long time. His reign was a time of reform and stability for Israel. Though he was judged for breaching the division between king and priest with leprosy, Uzziah’s death was a time of uncertainty. Would the next king be faithful?

That year, Isaiah received a revelation of God’s glory. The vision was so overwhelming that Isaiah seemed to expect to die in the presence of such holiness. He felt an overwhelming realization of the depth of his own sin and of his society. After the angel touched a hot coal from the altar to his lips to cleanse them, God commissioned Isaiah to be a prophet.

Just as God’s declaration to Moses of his glory was definitional for all who followed, this revelation of God’s glory was an important addition to what God revealed about himself to us. It served as an important reminder that while even the best kings and political leaders will be replaced, God sits on an eternal throne and is in charge in times of great uncertainty.

There is an important Christian element, however, because the Apostle John says Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory in John 12:41. If you were to ask Isaiah whose glory he saw, he would have said, “The Lord’s.” But if you ask John whose glory Isaiah saw, he would say, “Jesus’.” In fact, what Isaiah saw was a vision of the preincarnate Son of God.

In fact, what Isaiah saw was a vision of the preincarnate Son of God.

Like Isaiah, we live in a time of political instability and growing godlessness. But like Isaiah, we have a king whose throne will never be challenged. This should encourage us as we follow him in an increasingly hostile society.

Isaiah’s ministry did not lead to spiritual reform in Judah. In fact, tradition suggests that he was murdered in his old age, just like most of the apostles and many believers in the Old and New Testaments who were martyred for their faith. Yet for the rest of his life, he continued proclaiming God’s glory and prophesied the coming Messiah.

Suggestion for Prayer: How can Christians be faithful during times of political uncertainty as we trust in God’s ultimate kingship?

Questions for Discussion/Reflection: Pray for a particular political leader, whether on the local or national level, who has been openly hostile to Christianity (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Ask for God to change their hearts, save them with the power of the gospel, and hinder their opposition to Christianity.