An intensity of worship

        I am grateful to have the ability to read the words of the Bible. I am incredibly humbled when God gives me the ability to comprehend what is being said!

        This morning I was in Isaiah 6 – that beautiful scene that takes place at the throne of God. He is high and lifted up and being worshipped. And as Isaiah looks on he is caught up with the wonder of God. He is awestruck as he listens to the angels cry out

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;

the whole earth is full of His glory.”

        The intensity of worship was so great that it shook the very doorposts of the temple. Wow! Wouldn’t it be amazing if the adoration of God would be that intense today?

        That’s when I think it all hit Isaiah – Who God was and who he was. In that moment of understanding he said he was ruined – meaning that he should be completely cut off from the presence of the Holy One.

        I’ve been there – awestruck by the greatness of God and then that sudden jolt of recognition of my own sinful self… that moment of feeling utterly worthless and small and thinking “what in the world am I doing standing before God?”

        But then, at the exact moment when you can identify with Isaiah and you sense the height of despair look at what happened - an angel took a burning piece of coal from the altar of sacrifice and touched Isaiah’s mouth.

“Your guilt has been taken away

and your sin atoned for.”

        Oh the blessed relief and freedom that comes from knowing your sin has been forgiven! To know you have been given a right standing before God – it is almost more than a heart can contain.

        God then asks who would be willing to be sent on His behalf. Isaiah didn’t even hesitate in his response. “Here am I, send me!” Oh, me too, Lord, me too!! Help me

     see Who You are

          worship You with such intensity it shakes the rafters

               understand who I am – broken, poor, and needy

                    with that understanding, repent

                         know Your gracious forgiveness     

                              hear You ask for my willing heart

                                   then respond without hesitation!