​Seeing Beyond the Veil: Encountering God's Holiness in a Broken World

photo credit @gabriellareneephotos

In a world often clouded by disappointment, pain, and the consequences of sin, it's easy to lose sight of the divine. We find ourselves surrounded by brokenness - loss, betrayal, sickness, rejection, addiction - a seemingly endless list of hardships that touch every human life. Yet, amidst this darkness, there's an invitation to lift our eyes and see beyond the veil of our circumstances.

The ancient prophet Isaiah provides us with a powerful account of encountering God's holiness. In a vision that would change his life forever, Isaiah saw the Lord "high and exalted, seated on a throne, and the train of his robe filled the temple." This wasn't just any ordinary sight; it was a glimpse into the very throne room of heaven.

Imagine the scene: Seraphim, celestial beings of immense power, hover above the throne. With two wings they cover their faces, with two they cover their feet, and with two they fly. Their voices shake the very foundations as they call out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

This repetition of "holy" isn't mere emphasis. In Hebrew, repeating a word three times expresses the ultimate superlative. God isn't just holy; He is the very essence and definition of holiness. His purity and perfection are unmatched and all-encompassing.

In the presence of such overwhelming holiness, Isaiah's response is telling: "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." This visceral reaction reveals a profound truth - when we truly encounter God's holiness, we cannot help but recognize our own unworthiness.

But here's where the story takes a beautiful turn. Instead of judgment, Isaiah experiences grace. A seraph flies to him with a live coal from the altar, touching his lips and declaring, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." In an instant, Isaiah moves from utter despair to complete redemption.

This encounter challenges us to examine our own vision. What do we see when we look at the world around us? Are we so focused on the pain and brokenness that we miss glimpses of God's glory? The invitation is clear: to lift our eyes and seek the Lord in His holiness.

It's crucial to understand that recognizing God's holiness doesn't negate the reality of our pain. The Bible doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of a fallen world. Instead, it reminds us of our brokenness and our desperate need for a Savior. The good news is that just as God took the initiative with Isaiah, He takes the initiative with us.

In Christ, we see the ultimate expression of this initiative. Jesus, the perfect and holy Son of God, entered our broken world. He experienced our pain, bore our sin, and offered Himself as the final sacrifice. The live coal from the altar in Isaiah's vision foreshadows the cleansing power of Christ's blood, available to all who turn to Him.

This encounter with holiness isn't meant to leave us paralyzed with fear or shame. Instead, it should propel us into action. After Isaiah's lips were cleansed, he heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Without hesitation, Isaiah responded, "Here am I. Send me!"

When we truly grasp God's holiness and experience His grace, our natural response should be a willingness to serve. We are brought into God's presence not just for our own benefit, but to be sent out as messengers of His love and grace to a hurting world.

However, this call comes with a sobering reality. Not everyone will respond positively to the message. The New Testament often references Isaiah's prophecy to explain people's unbelief. Even after witnessing incredible signs and wonders, many still refuse to believe. This reminds us that our task is not to force belief, but to faithfully proclaim the truth and leave the results to God.

As we navigate life in a broken world, we're called to maintain a "bifocal vision." We must honestly acknowledge the pain and suffering around us, while simultaneously fixing our gaze on the holy, sovereign God who reigns above it all. This dual perspective allows us to grieve with those who grieve, while offering the hope that comes only from knowing the Holy One.

The invitation stands: Will we dare to see the Lord in His glory? Will we trust that He knows better than we do, even when circumstances seem dire? The challenge is to give ourselves completely to His lordship, allowing Him to be not just God, but our God, our King.

In a world where death and despair often seem to have the final word, we're reminded that they don't. The holy God who called Isaiah is the same God who offers us cleansing, purpose, and hope today. He invites us to turn from our sin, receive His forgiveness, and join in the celestial chorus declaring, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty!"

As we close our eyes in prayer and open our hearts in worship, may we echo Isaiah's willing response: "Here I am. Send me." For in encountering God's holiness, we find not just personal transformation, but a calling to be agents of that transformation in the world around us.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that the holy God invites us near. May our lives reflect His holiness, our words proclaim His glory, and our actions demonstrate His love to a world desperately in need of encountering the Holy One.

^PJ

---

I send a daily devotional on weekdays (Monday through Friday) based on sermons I have preached.
You can subscribe below to receive it in your inbox each morning.

Watch Sermon Here