HOLINESS

Using 2 Chronicles 26 and Isaiah 6, we compared the statements:

“KING UZZIAH DIED” and “I SAW THE LORD”   (see Isaiah 6:1)

and made a list of the respective characteristics of UZZIAH and ISAIAH.  Uzziah was a successful king who was initially faithful to God and built up the kingdom. He reigned for 52 years.  However, he rebelled and violated God’s laws (see 2 Chronicles 26) and was stricken with leprosy.  He did not repent.

In contrast, Isaiah encountered God in full recognition and self-awareness of his (Isaiah’s)  own sinful and unclean condition.  He received forgiveness,  was cleansed, and readied himself for service.

We compared aspects of Isaiah’s encounter that EXCLUDED him from fellowship with God and aspects that INCLUDED him within God’s pattern of truth and right living.   The cleansing applied to Isaiah’s life in the form of a burning coal from the altar enabled him to be united with God and be cleansed from the sin and uncleanness that separated him from God and His holiness.

Isaiah moral message of cleansing:

(Isa 1:16-20 NIV)  wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.  “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

TLT