Unworthy, Yet Cleansed

Reminding us again that this is a vision is the mention of  "the altar."  (C0mpare Revelation 8:3; 9:13) There were two altars at the temple in Jerusalem.  Just before the curtain of the Most Holy was the small altar of incense, and in front of the entrance to the sanctuary was the large altar of sacrifice, where the fire was kept constantly burning.  (Leviticus 6:12, 13; 16:12, 13) But these earthly altars were typical, representative of greater things.  (Hebrews  8:5; 9:23; 10:5-10) It was fire from heaven that consumed the burnt offering upon the altar when the temple was inaugurated by King Solomon.  (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)  And now it is fire from the true, heavenly altar that removes the uncleanness of Isaiah's lips.

Let us listen with Isaiah. "I began to hear the voice of Jehovah saying: 'Whom should I send, and who will go for us?" And I proceeded to say:  'Here I am! Send me.' " (Isaiah 6:8)  The question propounded by Jehovah  is clearly designed to elicit a response from Isaiah, as no other human prophet appears in the vision.  It is unmistakably an invitation for Isaiah to be Jehovah's messenger.  But why does Jehovah ask, "Who will  go for us?"  By switching from the singular personal pronoun "I" to the plural pronoun "us,"  Jehovah now  includes at least on other person with himself. Who?  Was this not his only -begotten Son, who later became the man Jesus Christ?  Indeed, it was this same Son to whom God said, "Let us make man in our image."  (Genesis 1:26; Proverbs 8:30, 31)  Yes, alongside Jehovah in the heavenly courts is his only begotten Son. -John 1:14.

Isaiah does not hesitate to respond! Regardless of what  the message might be, he immediately replies:  "Her I am! Send me."  Neither does he ask what he might gain by accepting the assignment.  His willing spirit is a fine example for all of God's servants today, who have  the commission to preach the 'good news of the kingdom in all the inhabited earth."  (Matthew 24:14)  Like Isaiah, they faithfully stick to their assignment and accomplish the "witness to all the nations," despite widespread unresponsiveness.  And they go forward with confidence, as did Isaiah, knowing that their commission has the  highest authorization.

Next time: Isaiah's Commission

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind