In the Presence of God
VBC Albuquerque · Jul 31, 2024
This sermon explores the prophet Isaiah's encounter with God's presence during a time of crisis following King Uzziah's death. Through a revelation of God's holiness, Isaiah recognizes his sinfulness, is cleansed, and surrenders completely to God's mission. The sermon emphasizes that when we come before God in brokenness and humility, He will reveal Himself, purify us, and commission us to impact our communities for Christ.
The sermon opens with a story of a woman observing a man completely absorbed in worshiping God, prompting her to reflect on when she last worshiped God with such wholehearted devotion. Isaiah 6 is presented as a gateway into a new dimension where we witness an encounter between God and His prophet—an encounter of profound significance with redemptive impact. The historical context reveals that King Uzziah, one of Judah's most successful kings, died after 52 years of reign, breaking the heart of the prophet Isaiah, who was not only his subject but also his friend.
The second section develops the theme that crisis and tragedy often lead to seeking and humbling oneself before God. When believers genuinely come before God seeking His face, He will answer and reveal Himself. The sermon emphasizes that our hope lies not in people but in Jesus Christ, even if our leaders fail or fall into sin. The present age is unstable and uncertain, yet Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be discouraged or fearful, but to bring our requests to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving.
The third section presents the revelation of God's holiness. When Isaiah entered the place of worship with a broken heart, God revealed Himself in an extraordinary way. Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple, and the seraphim proclaiming: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory!" This vision transformed Isaiah's life and ministry forever. Whenever we come broken, needy, seeking, pleading, and searching before God, He will reveal Himself. Jeremiah 29:13 confirms: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
The fourth section focuses on the forgiveness of sins. When Isaiah beheld God's holiness, he cried out: "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips." A seraph flew to him with a live coal from the altar, touched his mouth, and said: "Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Our sins become more apparent in the light of God's glorious presence. Although we are forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ, we never forget that only through His grace and mercy can we approach God the Father.
The fifth section presents unreserved surrender. After being cleansed, Isaiah heard God's voice: "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah answered: "Here am I. Send me!" The sermon warns that we can become so caught up in "church work" and worship that we miss what true worship really is. The conclusion emphasizes that Jesus died, rose again, and gave the Great Commission to all who believe in Him: "Go and make disciples of all nations." Until we come before God in brokenness and humility, confessing our sins, we will not be transformed. When we are forgiven, He will renew us and send us to impact our communities and world for Christ.