Seeing... And Recognizing.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1, NIV)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Martha encouraged us to keep in our minds this vision of God as the One exalted over all.

The prophet Isaiah had experienced a deep loss: King Uzziah, who had reigned for decades, was now dead. Yet, in the face of death, God opened Isaiah's eyes to recognize the Lord God as the King who lives forever.

In the narrative, Isaiah shares a profound description: The train of the Lord's robe filled the temple. The Lord had spread His covering over every person, every action, and every object in that worship-space. In Isaiah's vision, the presence of God overshadowed everything, including Isaiah's mourning: when the prophet recognized the King of kings and Lord of lords, all thoughts of Uzziah were laid aside.

Are we covered? Does His train fill our temple and overshadow our despondency? Scripture says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (First Corinthians 6:19, NASB) When our eyes are opened to see the greatness and majesty of God, we are drawn in to His loving embrace. We are inspired to find our rest in Him. We are shifted from mourning our personal losses to marveling at God's majesty and power.

Lord God, today we choose to turn our eyes away from our circumstances; we choose to turn our eyes towards You. Astound us with Your majesty! Embrace us with Your love! Open our eyes to recognize You as the King Eternal. Great King, fill us with Your presence.

Let's Get It Together!

One of the drawbacks of blogging is that it's easy to think of each post as a stand-alone commentary, rather than as being a small part of a larger work.

In that context, let us remember that this past Sunday's sermon was actually the second in a series of sermons about Pentecost. Below are links to a few Scripture passages from the first two installments. Thoughts shared by Pastor Sam are in italics (paraphrase mine). I encourage all of us to take time to read and reflect on the verses and statements below.

I. The Promise-Fulfillment of Pentecost (May 4, 2014)

If the promise of Pentecost has been fulfilled, then it ought be fulfilled in us.
First Corinthians 6:19-20

Sometimes, what God is doing requires a prophetic interpreter.
Acts 2:14-18

To what extent are we fulfilling our experience of this promise?


II. Embracing The Promises of Pentecost, Part 1 (June 1, 2014)

The promise is to "as many as the Lord shall call"... but what is the promise of Jesus?
Acts 1:8

Witnesses have had a transformation of character: not in their own strength, but because of the power of God.
Second Peter 1:3-4

The Spirit-empowered Christian witness has an observable character profile.
Matthew 7:15-20

Lord God, please help us to tell others about the power and love of Jesus that radically transforms human hearts.