Isaiah was ancient Israel’s version of a Senate chaplain or court priest. His family, aristocratic. His Hebrew, impeccable. But when he sees the holiness of God, he falls on his face and begs for mercy: “Woe is me, for I am ruined!” (Isaiah 6:5 NASB).
The God-given vision was about God and his glory. Isaiah finds humility, not through seeking it, but through seeking him. God’s holiness silences human boasting. And God’s mercy makes us holy.
God solicits a spokesman. “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah’s heart and hand shoot skyward. “Here am I. Send me!” A glimpse of God’s holiness, and Isaiah was different. Holy—H-O-L-Y—different.
