Holy visions and hot coals - December 9
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 38; PM Psalm 119:25-48; Isa. 6:1-13; 2 Thess. 1:1-12; John 7:53-8:11
A portion of Isaiah appointed for today is also one of the lessons that can be read during the ordination of a priest. A portion of Psalm 119 read during Noonday prayer is one that can be read during the ordination of a deacon. How interesting that our lectionary rotation for the Daily Office pairs those two pieces of scripture together on the same day. Both speak to serving, and what life in the role of a servant looks like.
In Isaiah, we have this oracle, a heavenly vision, by the prophet. He calls out, overcome, in humility and awe. “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Can you imagine being in that posture? The ecstasy and wonder are palpable from that brush with the heavenly. Next in this vision, an angelic character holds a hot coal to Isaiah’s lips. And then the prophet hears God’s voice asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” In spite of purportedly singed lips, Isaiah says, “Here am I; send me!” Through the smoke and mystery, Isaiah raises his voice – his unclean lips now purified from the coal of the altar of God. And he says, I will go. Send me, Lord.
I don’t know how many of my colleagues have ever had such an intense interaction with the Divine. I cannot say that my ordination was nearly this exciting. What I hold in my heart is that response Isaiah offers to God – Here am I; send me. In spite of where I have been and what I have done, God calls me to confess my sins and say yes to ways I can seek and serve all people.
The psalm is a bit more direct in its appeal. Through Psalm 119:33-40, the psalmist prays that God affect her mind through teaching and understanding; sway her body to God’s desire rather than hers through moving her feet, heart, and eyes; and then calls God to make good on the promise made to her – a promise of faithfulness and salvation. What concise and honest pleas are set before God in this prayer.
As someone discerning God’s call and seeking to serve God as their vocation, these words from Psalm 119 are a beautiful backbone of reflection and guidance…and yet, these words guide many more than the priests and deacons who have poured over them. All looking to serve God and care for those in deepest need and trouble can return to these words of humility and hopefulness. All people looking for holy inspiration from prophets of old can read Isaiah 6 and feel the fire of God’s glory upon their lips – and you, too, can say, “Here am I; send me!”
Wherever you are sitting or working or traveling this day, I pray that you feel stirred by God’s voice.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What stories come to mind when you think of divine revelation? Have you had a brush with God? Who did you tell? What do you recall today?
Daily Challenge
Spend about five minutes thinking and praying about how God can stir you to serve others today. Call someone on the phone and talk about what you’ve determined – and make a plan to do just that! (Remember, serving God can simply look like a phone call to someone who is lonely or sick.) Share God’s love and blessings in whatever way you are able to do so today.