In the book of Isaiah 6:1-4, we find precious lessons through Isaiah’s vision, described with vivid details, highlighting a genuine encounter with God. In the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah was taken, in a vision, to a place that would transform his life forever.
In verses 1 to 4, the prophet Isaiah describes, with great detail, all the glory he witnessed in that moment.
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. (Isaiah 6:1-4, ESV)
An Encounter with God Reveals Who We Truly Are
And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5, ESV)
Isaiah understood that he stood before a holy God and that he, a sinner, was unworthy to be there. The prophet recognized his unworthiness and inability to remain in the divine presence. The Holy Spirit convicts us, leading us to acknowledge our errors and seek reconciliation with God.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. (John 16:7-8, ESV)
There are moments in our lives when only the Holy Spirit can convict us of our wrong paths, guiding us back to the truth. Often, we abandon God’s counsel, act according to our own desires, and live as we please.
At certain times, God takes control of our lives. A person may choose to live temporarily according to their own will, but at a specific moment, they will have an encounter with God that will mark their journey, changing their direction and story.
Isaiah, with unclean lips and living among an impure people, exclaimed: “My eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” This moment reveals that every encounter with God brings transformation, for we never leave His presence unchanged.
God Is Interested in Your Transformation
God is not concerned with the sins, failures, mistakes, or flaws you’ve carried up to this point. He is focused on who you can become from now on. Do you understand? God wants to know who you will be after this encounter. During Isaiah’s vision, God was not concerned with who Isaiah was or the people around him.
God was not preoccupied with the impurity of Isaiah’s lips, for what mattered was who Isaiah would become after this encounter. God knew that, after this experience, Isaiah would emerge transformed. The Lord desires to meet you, regardless of what you’ve done up to this point. He is interested in who you will be moving forward.
For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37, ESV)
An encounter with God has the power to transform us!
And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5, ESV)
The lesson here is clear: when we acknowledge our errors and sins, God purifies us, transforming us into new creatures.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, ESV)
When Isaiah recognized his shortcomings, God began the process of purification.
The Purification That Comes from God
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” (Isaiah 6:6-7, ESV)
The angel touched Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal taken from the altar, and in that moment, his sins were forgiven. Every encounter with God is transformative, enabling us to recognize our faults, cultivate humility, and receive forgiveness.
This sincere acknowledgment opens the door for God to remove our imperfections. By facing our shortcomings with humility and courage, we allow God to purify us, transforming us into vessels ready to be shaped and filled with His grace and wisdom. Thus, our spiritual journey unfolds in fullness and love.
Sensitivity to God’s Voice
Every encounter with God heightens our sensitivity to His voice, allowing us to recognize His presence in every aspect of our lives. This connection guides us, strengthens us in difficult times, and helps us hear His words of love, peace, and guidance. Being in tune with God makes us more attentive to His direction, enabling us to follow His path with faith and gratitude.
Isaiah, once with unclean lips and surrounded by an impure people, now beheld a supernatural vision. He witnessed what was impossible to human eyes and underwent a powerful transformation, confronting his flaws and receiving divine purification. This prepared him to hear and respond to God’s call.
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8, ESV)
Transformed, Isaiah declared: “Here I am! Send me.” Every encounter with God fosters humility, making us more sensitive to His voice. We are exposed to supernatural realities that awaken in us a desire to live according to God’s will.
A Transformation That Impacts Lives
Isaiah witnessed God’s power and glory, understood the importance of abandoning his sins, underwent divine purification, and was deeply touched, eagerly desiring to fulfill God’s will. The benefits of an encounter with God are transformative, impacting every area of our lives.
This encounter fills us with love, peace, and compassion, compelling us to act with generosity and kindness toward others. Our attitudes, thoughts, and feelings are renewed, bringing a fresh perspective on life and inspiring us to seek spiritual and personal growth. God’s presence is a catalyst for positive change.
God is ready to provide us with unique experiences. We must acknowledge our faults, understanding that we are the clay and He is the Potter. Allowing God to shape us is essential for experiencing a meaningful encounter with Him.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
Why Haven’t We Had an Encounter with God?
Often, we witness God’s glory in action but fail to understand the importance of surrendering our ego. It is essential to admit our faults and allow God to transform our lives. Only by acknowledging our errors, flaws, and sins can we draw near to God’s glory and experience supernatural encounters, like Isaiah, who became a man filled with God’s glory, with a humble heart seeking a life of holiness.
May your life be blessed by God, and may you have the opportunity to engage with His glory. Share this message of faith with those who have yet to experience an encounter with God.
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