 |
| http://www.preceptaustin.org |
Isaiah’s Realization
Isaiah's Realization
“And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me for I am a man of unclean lips and dwell in the midst of people with unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Isaiah 6:4-5 (ESV)
The scene Isaiah describes here has been described as ‘tokens of terror.’ (1.) He was confronted with who God is and the state of his heart. He realized He was a sinner. Have we had times when we faced God and, like Isaiah, realized how wretched our lives are?
I once was in conversation with a relative. My dad was in the hospital after having emergency open heart surgery. She said something about my dad needing prayer but then she said something that has stayed with me. “God doesn’t hear the prayers of a sinner.”
I didn’t pick up on what she said. She KNEW she was a sinner. I am sorry to say she left this earth about a month later. I missed the opportunity to lead this woman to Christ. I had to ask God to forgive me for that. However, I still carry that thought.
As we enter the sanctuaries of our churches, we enter into God’s presence. In today’s world, I am sorry to say, some of us don’t act any different than if we were going into a living room or a game room.
When are we going to learn about being in God’s presence?
_____________
1. Matthew Henry, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids MI ©1961, page 836
Hi Cecelia, interesting blog post, but what did she mean by that comment? Didn't she want to pray? God hears ALL prayers, whether we are sinners or saints.
ReplyDeleteMarja: Thank you for your thoughtful commemnt. Some people have been taught that God doesn't hear the prayers of sinners. I believe she wanted to help me and she knew I was a Christian. When she told he daughter about my dad's need. Her granddaughter called and asked "Granny" my dad's name and this young girl had it put on the prayer chain at her(granddaughter's) church.
DeleteOh my! Romans 10:13 says "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21 says essentially the same thing. And in the Old Testament, Joel 2:32 also says that... I am sorry your relative did not realize that God wants to hear from us...even sinners...how else shall a sinner be saved? Romans 10:14-21 continues that thought more completely...might be a good topic for a future blog post!
ReplyDeletePam: Thank you for your insightful comments. Yes, we all are sinners. We need to remember that God loves ALL His children, even those who are sinners. Peace and blessings.
Delete