Theophany
Theophany means, “God is in the House”. Isaiah’s experience is overwhelming and “awesome” in the greatest sense of the word. You will notice in the text Isaiah 6: 1-13 that all the senses are described – sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste, which is why “awesome” is so descriptive of the experience.
In the sermon, we will discuss the call to Holy Troublemaking. What trouble did Isaiah get into?
That trouble begins in responding to the call to speak to his generation. Isaiah is convinced that humanity has fallen so far away from God that not all that is good about culture is enough to save humanity on its own. In his message, Isaiah talks about a God who despite this, is gracious and promises restoration at a future time.
However, let us take a moment to discuss Isaiah’s background. The text tells us that he is the son of Amoz, the brother of the King, so he has royalty in his blood. Isaiah is likely from Jerusalem, the seat of power. He is concerned about the current generation and his contemporaries, their lifestyles, concern for others, and their response to God’s goodness. As I pointed out earlier, Isaiah refers to a cultural crisis, but let us break down the book further.
In the first 39 chapters, Isaiah is building a case regarding his generation. As a prophet in the 8th Century BCE Israel, he addressed the impending invasion of the Babylonians and the inner turmoil going on culturally. Isaiah proclaims that God will respond to a people whose hearts have hardened toward the will of God. And what is God’s will you ask? Care for all! No one falls through the cracks; no one is to be marginalized.
In chapters 40-55, the story moves towards the future. Prophecy. A word of comfort and hope towards those held captive in Babylon, modern day Iraq, that fortunes will change and God will restore. Some of the most majestic poetry and imagery is in this section and lifts the reader towards the final chapters 55-66 proclaiming the coming of Messiah – the restoration of all.
Pastor Todd