The Vision
We all come to a place in our lives when we realize we can’t save ourselves. We are forced to ask who will save us and how? Isaiah proclaims The Holy One of Israel’s justice against sin and rebellion, and The Holy One of Israel’s hope as the saving Messiah. Isaiah’s message is simple. Yahweh, The Holy One of Israel, is Judge and Savior; of His people (1-12), of the nations (13-27), of Jerusalem (28-39), while in exile, (40-48), as the suffering Messiah (49-55), and as LORD forever and ever (56-66).
Starter
Have you ever said something like “I am right here. Pick me?” Explain. How did it go?
Pray
Lord we thank you that you are The Holy One of Israel. You are Holy perfect in all you do and worthy of our worship and obedience. We like Israel are the ones who wrestle with you, fight to see you, know that you always win, and understand you bless those you chose to bless. Thank you for for loving us, for forgiving us, and for restoring us. Would we see you as you really are and say as Isaiah did, Here am I. Send me. Amen
Study Questions
- What does Isaiah’s description of the Lord communicate about God’s nature and character?
- Discuss why the Seraphim, like we see in other heavenly accounts in scripture, say Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.?
- Proverbs 6:16 says, The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him:
- Isaiah gave the people of God 6 woes (6 things that God hates) in Isaiah 5, where is the 7th woe?
- What do you think is the significance of Isaiah’s response, Woe is me for I am ruined?
- How does a clear picture of the Lord help us to see ourselves and others clearly as it did Isaiah?
- Isaiah’s wickedness is removed and his sin is atoned for. How is our wickedness removed and our sin atoned for according to the other verses we read?
- God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways.
- How does God speak clearly to us today? (see Hebrews 1:2)
- How is the imagery in Hebrews 1 the same as Isaiah?
- Why don’t we tend to find the way God speaks today enough for us?
- Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? The Us in this passage is a reference to the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) just like in Genesis 1:26.
- How is the question God asks still the main question for believers today?
- What was Isaiah’s response to the question?
- What does Isaiah’s response says about his trust and belief that he has experienced the Lord and has been forgiven and atoned for?
- How does a willingness to tell others about God’s way, truth, and life communicate our commitment to Him?
- Isaiah seems very excited to go. God calls him to stay in Jerusalem where he was likely born and raised while raising his family for the rest of his life until he is likely sawn in half by wicked King Manasseh.
- How can Isaiah’s willingness to be sent in this way encourage us?
READ Matthew 9:36-38, 28:17-19, Acts 1:6-8, Romans 10:14-16
- How do these passages reinforce the call of God on our lives to be sent in the midst of the woes?