This passage is one of the most powerful narratives in the Bible. Isaiah answers God’s call immediately with a great eagerness to serve. I should do the same. Here I am, send me!

Background
Why does the call of Isaiah come in chapter 6 and not chapter 1? Some background information might help give understanding. We are told this event takes place the year King Uzziah died. This comes at the beginning of the Assyrian threat. Now Isaiah has a renewed calling. The northern kingdom of Israel and Syria have formed a coalition against Assyria. However, Judah refuses to join that coalition. Isaiah makes it clear that Judah is to trust in God alone. The Lord now finds the time right to issue this commission. God’s call to Isaiah becomes clear when we discover where to look.

Look Up—See God (Isaiah 6:1-4)
The heavenly scene with its symbolic language and actions leaves no doubt; God is the Lord of all! From the very beginning of this chapter, we see God’s eternity. Uzziah is dead, but the eternal King never dies. We see God’s holiness. The Lord is sinless, perfect, set apart. Finally, we see God’s glory. Everything in that throne room declares God’s glory, from the seraphs singing their praises to the smoke that fills the temple.

If we will ever answer the call that God has challenged us with, we need to look up and see the Lord God in all his glory. I grew up near railroad tracks. My friends and I spent a lot of time walking on the rails, trying to balance ourselves without falling off. The best way to do it was to look straight ahead, not at our feet.

Peter also discovered this when he saw Jesus walking on the water. Peter wanted to join Jesus on the waves, but as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.

How is your vision? We need to have “tunnel” vision, and focus only on the Lord God.

Look In—See Yourself (Isaiah 6:5-7)
When we put things into perspective, we begin to see our own sin. Even though God allows Isaiah to behold this awesome scene, Isaiah does not have a “holier than thou” attitude. Isaiah realizes he is not worthy. But it is at this point that God is willing to work.

Who does God restore? The repentant. Who does God bless? The humble. Who does he oppose? The proud who think they can handle things on their own. God does not deny Isaiah’s sinfulness, but he does provide an escape.

When we look in ourselves, we must see the righteous person we can become. It might require some pain, but we can become a new person. How is your vision? We need to have “X-ray” vision, and focus on our true selves, but also see what we can become.

Look Out—See the Lost (Isaiah 6:8)
Finally, we need to look beyond ourselves and see those around us. The Lord asks, “Whom shall I send?” Notice that the Lord is talking to us as individuals. Even though there are billions of people in this world, the question is directed to me alone. If I do not answer, who else will go?

But we also need to look out and see the lost. When the Lord says, “Whom shall I send,” we need to have a passion for those who do not know the Lord. We have the greatest message on earth, and we should desire to preach it until all have heard it. How is your vision? This one I call “tell-a-vision,” because we have a responsibility to tell everyone about Christ.

A Challenge to Commitment
One of the greatest challenges our churches are facing today, the one thing they lack, can be summed up in one word: commitment.

Could you imagine if the Old Testament heroes had no commitment? Noah might have built only half a boat. Moses might have led the Israelites only halfway across the Red Sea. David might have run from Goliath at the last moment.