WEEKLY FOCUS ARCHIVE

Undone

March 2, 2005

Isaiah chapter six is a remarkable picture of the awesome glory of God. In this passage from the Old Testament we are confronted with two things; the holiness of God and our own lack of real virtue. Isaiah was a man of God, a prophet, God's spokesman. One might be tempted to think that God's man could walk around without any pressing sense of his inadequacy. Yet, this glimpse of Isaiah's encounter with God dispels all such notions. This anointed servant of God, in stark contrast to many of today's self-proclaimed "anointed" ones, understood how utterly bankrupt we are in view of God's supreme goodness. God's servants, even the most dedicated, ought to be keenly aware of their lack of moral virtue in comparison to a Holy God.

Isaiah's vision is instructive for another reason. A vision of the astounding radiance of God's goodness exposes the reality of every human heart. Even our best intentions are stained with the spot of sin. The philosophy of many moral commentators in the media and print today would suggest that we are all ultimately "good". This holy man would tell us a different story. Rather than viewing the human heart as "good", Isaiah sees his heart for what it really is-full of sin, and short of the moral mark. Only when we see God for who He is can we truly understand who we are in light of that reality. An accurate view of the character of God is what tempers the proud heart. A glimpse of the splendor of God is enough to make even the best among us to run for cover. Isaiah's reaction to his view of this Supreme Being left him "undone". The spiritual leader, rather than thinking he had a right to be there, came unglued. He literally fell on His face in a state of panic over this new view of himself in light of God's perfect purity.

The vision does not stop there, and here is the beauty of the Holy one. In the moment that Isaiah owns up to his own moral desolation in the sight of God, the hand of heaven reaches down to him, offer forgiveness and cleansing and even ushers him into service! In spite of his lack of ability to live up to the standard of heaven, heaven itself extends an invitation to this one in need of grace. An invitation to serve as a spokesman no less! This is the message of the gospel. In seeing God for who He is we see ourselves for what we are, we come undone, submit ourselves to God, and He picks us up, dusts us off, and ushers us into His service in order that we might tell others of this great grace.

Wherever you have been, whatever you have done, He stands ready and waiting for you to acknowledge your lack of virtue and your need of Him. The soul that is willing to see God for who He is will gain a glimpse not only of the holiness of God, but also of His grace, amazing grace. Give God room to show Himself to you and watch what He can and will do in your life. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is Good, He is truly good. He is able to give more than enough grace to cover ALL of your sins. He is able to give you joy in excess of all your pain. He is capable of extending to you a hope and a future despite the chains that now hold you. He is the only one who can both expose the reality of your impure heart while offering a full-soul makeover. He can and will do it-give Him a chance. Open your eyes. Get a glimpse.

Bruce Smith (Rev.)
Director of Development, Teaching Pastor
bruce@uptownchurch.net

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