Listen to “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” or read the text here

Read Isaiah 6

Let’s spend some time taking a look at the chapter that serves as the namesake for this blog, Isaiah 6. This chapter is full of rich nuggets, and worship leaders point to it as the most comprehensive example of biblical worship in all of Scripture. I didn’t say the only example, but the fullest. In it we find a holy dialogue that forms the basis of our life lived in God. We’ll be taking a look at the eight aspects of this dialogue over the next eight days. The aspects are (God’s act is bold, our response is italicised): Revelation, Adoration, Confession, Expiation (Foregiveness), Proclamation, Dedication, Supplication, and Commission. This progression of thought is not my own. I learned it from a seminary professor of mine, Dr. Bruce Leafblad, when I was studying for my master’s degree. He has written about this idea of a dramatic dialogue between God and His creation in a number of places, but perhaps the most easily accessible appearance is in a chapter he contributed to Experience God in Worship.

Revelation. Isaiah opens up this chapter in somewhat of a mournful state. King Uzziah, probably Isaiah’s cousin or other close relative, had just died of leprosy. Not only was Isaiah saddened by the loss of a family member, but he along with all of Israel was mourning the loss of a great king. It is during this sorrowful state that the drama begins. God reveals Himself to Isaiah—and by extension to Israel—as the one true King of Israel. Despite the emotions surrounding the death of Uzziah, there was no longer any doubt as to Who was the real King (should there ever have been doubt?). He was seated on a throne and the hem of His robe filled the whole temple. Just the hem filled the temple in Isaiah’s vision! Around the King flew heavenly creatures, seraphim and cherubim. God is the King. This awesome image has one logical result, which we’ll get to that tomorrow. In the meantime . . .

What has God been showing you about Himself lately through events in your life or through your time with Him? What has He shown you through this passage?

Pray that God will open your eyes to His glory and kingship. Spend time submitting to His authority and thanking Him for revealing a glimpse of Himself.

Go and live to the glory of God.