VISION FOR IMPACT (6)

“...I SAW the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple” – Isaiah 6:1

Isaiah the prophet experienced the revitalizing power of God's VISION for IMPACT in life and ministry: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I SAW the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple” (Isa.6:1). The prophet saw the dearest, greatest, and most glorious vision that anyone could see – the Vision of the Lord God Almighty. All earthly visions vanish into insignificance in full view of the Vision God’s Glory. With the reception of the heavenly vision, vivid pictures were painted upon the pavement of his spirit – images that radically revived and transformed his life for eternal Impact.

The true Vision of God will completely change our outlook on life. We will begin to see Him as King upon the throne of His vast Universe; in His Sovereignty and absolute Authority; with His all-pervading, awe-inspiring, might and majesty. Isaiah’s vision contrasts the transience of human life and temporality of human authority typified by the dead King Uzziah, with God’s permanence and immortality. It took the death of his ‘hero’ – King Uzziah – for his eyes to behold the reality of God’s Glory!

Isaiah saw the Lord who controls the innumerable hosts of heaven (Heb. 12:22; Rev.7:9). God is not a lonely figure on an isolated throne. At His Command, heaven’s train stands at attention and the wheels of eternity roll into motion. Isaiah witnessed the Transformational Vision of God’s Holiness and Glory – a powerful four-phased transformation began in his life and ministry:

Conviction: “Woe is me; for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (v.5). How can sinful man stand before the thrice Holy God unbowed? Whoever claims to have encountered God without deep remorse for sins and the dire need for repentance is self-deluded.

Cleansing: “...Your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged” (vv.6-7). God thoroughly cleanses and sanctifies in response to faith and sincere repentance (1 Jh.1:7,9). Divine Vision has sanctifying and purifying impact.

Calling: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me” (v.8). Being saved, sanctified, convicted, and cleansed, must culminate in a calling! We are saved to serve and sanctified for holy service. God’s Vision stirs up deeper visions for more impactful service. His Vision commands divine calling.

Our first and foundational vision must be the Vision of God. When we have seen God, we have seen all. Any true vision FROM GOD must drive us TO GOD – into a closer walk and communion with Him. Heavenly Vision will never leave one unchanged. It will convict, chastise, correct, cleanse, call, commission, and transform our thoughts, tongue, and treasured desires.