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October 30, 2018

Isaiah 6:1-4

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

New International Version (NIV)

                 Why do we go to corporate worship with other believers? We live in an interesting day with access to worship through live-stream. Never have more great sermons been available by podcast. We can attend worship on-line and give on-line.

                Why did Isaiah go up to the temple? One hint is that King Uzziah had died. People get serious about church when life gets serious. Surveying the site of the crash of flight 93 up in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, I remembered where I was when the planes hit the towers. I had just pulled up to Tallowood Church to begin my morning’s work. That night we gathered with a full house to pray for our country. Lester Collin’s sonorous voice in prayer still rings in our ears and resonates in our hearts.

                Perhaps, Isaiah had no idea that God would actually show up that day. Of course, like us, the Israelites believed that God was there with his people at the temple. But as Isaiah wondered about who would be king, the King showed up in all of his glory. The hem of his robe filled the room. The angels’ voices echoed as they called to each other and remembered God’s holiness. An earthquake ensued. I noticed with friends at the American Baptist General Convention last week, that if we had an earthquake, we would pray. But Acts 4 tells us the early church prayed and there was an earthquake.

                Something seismic needs to happen in our world, to shake our sensibilities. When we come together to pray, sing and preach, there is at least a chance that God will show up. When God shows up, everything changes and everyone knows it. It’s not just about witnessing an event or hearing a great song that we like. We can do that at a concert. But in worship, we remember that we belong to God and his church. Together we find forgiveness and fortitude to go back into God’s world as witnesses of his power.

Pray with me:

Father, when did we forget that you’ve always been the King of the world? In these unsettled days, please unsettle us. Let the sound of your voice move us. Shake us up, God. Bring your people together with your people so that we can encounter you in all of your glory. We need to hear from you, Lord. We need a word from you. If we don’t hear from you, what will we do? We are wanting you more each day. Please show us your perfect way. There is no other way that we can live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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