Isaiah’s Turning Point Reaction
We all have turning points in our lives. The older we get, the more we’re able to look back and identify them. When we’re in the midst of one though, we may not recognize we’ve entered a turning point.
Summer 1952 two such turning points happened for me. First, I read Will James’ Smoky The Cowhorse. And I saw the movie, High Noon, starring Grace Kelly and Gary Cooper. These stories changed my life.
In December 1967, a turning point happened again. People often asked me, “Did you always want to be a writer?” “No, I never did,” I reply. “Did you receive training to be a writer?” I’m asked. No, I did not. I was an Ag major. I took courses like Soils, Fertilizers, and Advanced Swine Production. (That’s three different courses.)
Then wife Janet decides she might like to write. As she investigated this pursuit, she read one of my printed sermons. “You know, some things here are pretty good,” she said. “If I re-wrote and edited this, could I send it to a publication as an article?” “Sure, that’s fine,” I replied. “But don’t get me involved. I’m not interested in being a writer.”
So, she sent some articles. I remember one December day going to the mailbox. I picked up a couple thin envelopes addressed to me. Inside I found acceptance notes and checks from two different magazines. I looked at that and said, “I like being a writer.” That was a major life turning point for me.
Isaiah’s Vision
Read Isaiah 6 to learn of Isaiah’s turning point. He came face-to-face with God and His holiness, who He really is. His life completely changed. I don’t know what kind of believer Isaiah was before this experience. I think he had faith. But he was never the same after this event.
God’s holiness is at the same time the most consistent, yet most unpredictable divine aspect we will ever encounter. It’s consistent because God never changes. He’s always true to Himself. There is no shifting shadow of changing variance with Him (James 1:17). He’s also unpredictable because we don’t believe He is who He says He is. Therefore, we’re surprised by His actions.
Viewing the holiness of God will make you tremble to the depths of your soul. Getting to know God is not contemplative but reactive. When you or I come face-to-face with the holiness of God, we don’t sit back and contemplate what we’ve seen. God’s holiness is not just theological where we opine, “God is great and wonderful. He is gracious and awesome. And God also gets angry and jealous.” God’s holiness changes our lives, not just our thoughts.
Isaiah’s Reaction
What does Isaiah do when he sees God’s holiness? After he worships, he volunteers. He’s been changed. He wants to do something for Him. I have a feeling, coming face-to-face with God will always be a turning point. We will first want to worship Him (1 Chronicles 16:29). Second, we’ll want to confess everything we’ve done wrong. Third, we’ll be eager to serve. Viewing the perfection of God will cause us to erupt in great praise.
Our Reaction To Perfection
I’ve never competed in a Muscle Man contest, like they have in places such as Venice Beach, California. If I were out on the beach in my trunks and Arnold Schwarzenegger stood beside me, I’d move. I wouldn’t want to be compared. If I stood next to someone like that, all I’d think about is how lousy I’d look. When you stand next to your image of perfection, then your own imperfection glares back at you.
However, I remember the 1992 basketball Dream Team Olympics** in Barcelona. Not one of us who viewed it watched to to see who would win. We knew the outcome. No question who’d be the victor. But why did that stadium fill up? And why did we tune in to a game where one side would obviously win? Because we wanted to witness as close to perfection as we’d ever experience in a basketball game.
And why did the whole stands rise and cheer on a lopsided game? Why did even the opponents applaud? Because in the presence of perfection, we can’t help but give praise.
When we come into the presence of God’s holiness, His perfection, we react. We can’t hold it back. When we see who He is, our life reaches an automatic turning point of praise, worship, and service. “Lord, here I am. Send me!”
Stephen Bly
Copyright©1993
Turning Point Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
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“And The Thresholds Tremble” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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**Highlights of 1992 Basketball Olympics Dream Team in Barcelona: DREAM TEAM
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