PORTRAITS OF CHRIST AND GLIMPSES OF THE KINGDOM

IN VERSE

FROM THE PROPHECIES OF

ISAIAH AND OTHER SCRIPTURES

The first poem deals with Isaiah’s call to be the mouthpiece of God to His people.  Why does the account of his call only come in the sixth chapter of the book?  It may not have been recorded chronologically, or it may be that this came to the prophet as a confirmation of what was already in his heart. 

In the first five chapters Isaiah calls down woes on God’s wayward people, but  only when he sees the Lord in His awesome holiness does he see himself for what he is.  Then he turns the focus on himself and cries, “Woe is me!”  The power of his message moves from his head to his heart, so that he can feel the pulsating compassion in the heart of God even when he has to bring a message of condemnation and judgment.

ISAIAH 6:1-8

The year that King Uzziah died

Isaiah saw another King,

Exalted on a heavenly throne;

Around Him mighty angels sing.

The smoke-filled temple’s pillars shake

As glory fills the Holy Place:

Above, around, winged creatures fly

In solemn awe, with covered face.

In antiphonal chorus call

Till heaven swells with living sound,

“Thrice-holy is our mighty God —

His glory’s shining all around.”

“Alas!” the prophet cried, “Undone!

A foul-mouthed sinner, nothing less:

A member of a foul-mouthed race…

I’ve seen the King; I must confess.”

A mighty angel left his place

And to the glowing altar flew;

With tongs he chose a burning coal:

He touched his lips and whispered low.

“Your sin is purged, your heart is pure,

For blood was shed to make you clean.

Come closer to the holy throne;

Much closer than you’ve ever been.”

Isaiah bent to worship God  —

He heard a gentle voice speak out,

“I need a messenger to go;

My people need to know about

My judgement and the wrath to come

On those who fail to heed my voice.

O you must warn them of their fate;

Isaiah, will you make a choice?”

“O Lord, I’ll go,” Isaiah said,

“Please send me, let me speak for you.

I’ll be your mouthpiece, share your heart:

Help me be faithful, keep me true.”

A voice still calls, as we draw near,

To hearts made pure through Jesus’ blood,

“Now who will speak of saving grace?

Come, who will share the love of God?”

Submissive, willing, Lord, I bow

Before your awful, burning throne;

I’m broken hearted, listening close,

And now I make that call my own.